Ondo: Two suspected drug dealers intercepted with 51 bags of Indian hemp

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Two suspected drug peddlers identified as Usman Bashir and Usman Muhammad have been arrested with 50 bags of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp along Ikare Junction, Owo, Ondo State.

The suspected drug dealers were intercepted by police operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), spokesperson for Ondo Police Command, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said in a statement issued on Thursday in Akure.

He said that the operation was in the furtherance to the renewed drive by the Inspector-General of Police to combat the menace of illegal drug trafficking and dismantle criminal enterprises across the country.

Ayanlade explained that the suspects have been identified as Usman Bashir, 27, male, and Usman Muhammad, 17, male, both from Kaduna State.

“They were apprehended while transporting 51 bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, each weighing approximately 9kg.

“The exhibits have been recovered and secured as evidence.

“The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader criminal network involved in the distribution of illicit substances.

“The commissioner of police commended the efforts of the operatives involved in the arrest, reiterating the command’s commitment to flushing out criminal elements from the state.

“The officers of the command would continued to intensify intelligence-led operations targeted at criminal financiers and drug peddlers sponsoring cult-related violence and other criminal activities,” he said.

Ayanlade promised that the police would continue to pursue and dismantle all forms of organised crime threatening the safety of residents. (NAN)