The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has reported the apprehension of two alleged arms manufacturers and drug producers at Idem Street, off Itu Road, Uyo.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, made this known in a statement issued to journalists in Uyo on Monday.
John stated that the command achieved another notable operational success in its continuing Operation Zero Black Spots, a tactical initiative aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts, illegal arms production sites, and drug networks throughout the state.
She clarified that operatives from the command, acting on trustworthy intelligence, raided the suspected criminal site located at Idem Street, off Itu Road, Uyo, on Sunday at 9:00 pm, and executed the operation.
According to her, the actions were based on intelligence reports indicating that illicit chin-chin snacks infused with Indian hemp were being manufactured and distributed from that location.
“Upon searching the premises, Police operatives found that the site was not only utilized for the manufacture of narcotic-laced food items but also served as a covert arms and ammunition production workshop,” John stated.
John further mentioned that during a meticulous search of the premises, items recovered included eight refilled cartridges, six empty expended cartridges, one bag of gunpowder, refilling pellets, and a pack of striking pins.
Additional items retrieved, she noted, comprised one rifle butt, machines for filing, cutting, and drilling used in weapon fabrication, filing and cutting stones, various sets of saws, two machetes, and a substance believed to be cannabis sativa.
“Packages of chin-chin presumed to be infused with cannabis sativa, two pairs of black military boots, belts and jackets, as well as one laptop, and three live turtles allegedly used for charms alongside other incriminating items were also seized,” she said.
John mentioned that preliminary investigations revealed that the main suspect, whose name has been withheld, is a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, and allegedly runs the illegal operation.
She elaborated that one suspect admitted to producing narcotic-laced chin-chin and partaking in the unlawful fabrication and modification of firearms, which includes shortening long guns into more concealable weapons.
The Police spokesman confirmed that the suspects are currently in police detention, while discreet investigations are ongoing to capture additional members of the criminal network referred to during questioning.
John quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP, Baba Azare, affirming the command’s steadfast determination to identify, dismantle, and prosecute individuals involved in illegal arms manufacturing, drug distribution, and other criminal activities that jeopardize public safety.
The commissioner also cautioned that any person or group engaging in criminal enterprises within the state should immediately cease or be prepared to confront the full force of the law.
