By Uko Etim

UYO— A 63-year-old man has been arrested with large quantities of hard drugs suspected to be Indian hemp in Akwa Ibom.

The suspect, Asuquo Etim of Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area, was intercepted on Wednesday, at about 9:30 a.m. by a surveillance and stop-and-search team acting on credible intelligence.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John on Thursday in Uyo.

The PPRO said, Etim was stopped while allegedly conveying two large bags of the suspected drugs from Atabong Park en route to Esit Eket.

According to her, preliminary investigation revealed that the exhibits were allegedly handed over to the suspect by a serving soldier for onward delivery and sale at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area.

“On Wednesday, 20th May, 2026, at about 0930hrs, Operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, received information that a suspected drug trafficker was conveying bags of illicit substances from Atabong Park en route Esit Eket.

“Following the intelligence, the Command immediately mobilized a crack surveillance and stop-and-search team , where one Asuquo Etim, male, aged 63 years, of Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area, was intercepted and arrested.

“A thorough search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of two large bags containing substances strongly suspected to be Indian hemp.

“Preliminary investigation further revealed that the recovered exhibits were allegedly handed over to the suspect by a serving soldier for onward delivery and sale at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area.”

John said discreet investigations have commenced to uncover the full network behind the supply chain and to arrest other accomplices linked to the crime.

The PPRO said, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and an aggressive crackdown on criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the state.

“Individuals involved in drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises should desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.”

The Command urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations against criminality in the state.

Source: Vanguard News