Kingpin on the run as police bust Ibadan drug distribution network

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Operatives of Oyo Police Command have impounded nine bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 101 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Canadian Loud and other illicit drugs in a raid on an apartment allegedly being used to stockpile hard drugs in Academy area of Olomi community, Ibadan.

Oyo Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka announced successful recovery and seizure of the various quantities of suspected illicit drugs from the criminal hideout in statement on Sunday.

Ayanlade said the raid on the apartment followed credible intelligence provided by a strategic and progressive partner of the Oyo Command that an apartment located along Abanise Street, Academy area, Olomi, Ibadan, was being used to stockpile a large consignment of suspected illicit drugs by one Oluwadamilare Adedayo (male) of the same address.

He said in response, detectives were promptly deployed to the location to verify and act on the information.

Ayalande said thorough search of the apartment and its immediate surroundings by police operatives led to recovery of nine bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 101 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Canadian Loud, as well as other hard and illicit drugs.

He said the police succeeded in disrupting a suspected drug distribution network within the area with the raid.

He also added that the police have launched a manhunt for the owner of the apartment who was not at home at the time of the raid.

“In view of the suspect’s absence at the time of the operation, intensive surveillance and a coordinated manhunt have been launched on the express directive of the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, to apprehend the suspect who is believed to have concealed the exhibits prior to police intervention.

“Similarly, the CP has commended the strategic partnership and seamless collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and other sister security agencies, as well as community stakeholders, whose cooperation and timely intelligence were instrumental to the success of the operation.

“This development therefore underscores the Command’s proactive and intelligence-led policing framework, deliberately designed to stem the circulation of illicit drugs, which are known catalysts for violent crimes and other forms of criminality within the State.

“Accordingly, the Oyo State Police Command reassures the good people of the State of its unwavering commitment to sustaining the fight against crime in all its ramifications and urges members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information, as security remains a collective responsibility,’ Ayanlade said.