By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a motel owner and two other suspects over alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and involvement in illicit drug activities in Uke, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest, which led to the recovery of a pump-action gun, live cartridges and hard drugs, was disclosed in a press statement issued to newsmen on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to the statement, the suspects include a 39-year-old man, Mr. Ifeanyi Ibeabuchi (the owner); Abdullahi Shaibu, aged 26; and Obah Chima, aged 18. The police described the operation as both intelligence-driven and tragically targeted.
SP Ikenga revealed that operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, acting on credible information, stormed the motel located in Uke in the late hours of February 9, where the prime suspect was first arrested.
During the raid and search of the premises, the operatives recovered one Jojef pump-action gun bearing breach number 21SA-0724. The firearm, the statement noted, was loaded with three live cartridges at the time of recovery.
The PPRO further disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated that Mr. Ibeabuchi allegedly confessed to the crime, a development that subsequently led to the arrest of the two other suspects.
In addition to the firearm and ammunition, the operatives also reportedly recovered substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, Crystal Methamphetamine, locally known as “Mkpụrụ-mmiri,” and “Colos,” among others.
The Police Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and flushing out illicit activities across the state.
The Police Spokesman also emphasized that the Command remains resolute in its determination to rid Anambra of criminal elements, even as he urged members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible and timely information.
This latest arrest adds to the series of security operations undertaken by the Anambra State Police Command in recent times, as authorities intensify efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and hard drugs, which have been identified as key drivers of violent crimes in the state.
