The Delta State Police Command says it has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities across the state, leading to the arrest of 23 suspects, the recovery of a stolen HOWO trailer truck, and the seizure of large quantities of suspected illicit drugs in separate coordinated operations.
The operations, carried out in different parts of the state, form part of ongoing efforts by the command to curb criminality and dismantle suspected criminal networks.
In one of the operations, police operatives raided identified black spots, criminal hideouts, and brothels within the Okpanam axis and the Asaba metropolis, resulting in the arrest of 22 male suspects.
The raid, conducted on May 22, followed directives from the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, and was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations alongside operatives of the Department of Operations, Buffalo Team, and Okpanam patrol units.
Police said the operation targeted locations around the Hausa Market area in Okpanam, believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Items recovered during the operation included 72 bottles of CSC Codeine, 11 packets of Tramadol, as well as quantities of substances identified as Swinol, Canadian Loud, and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
The suspects and exhibits have since been transferred to the Special Enquiry Unit (SEU) for profiling and further investigations, with authorities assuring that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.
In a separate operation, operatives attached to Operation Safe Delta recovered a stolen HOWO trailer truck allegedly snatched by suspected criminals.
According to the police, the recovery followed a petition alleging conspiracy, theft, and the forceful snatching of the vehicle.
Investigators tracked the truck, bearing registration number KK/192 XA, to Ifite-Awka in Anambra State, where it was recovered and subsequently towed to Asaba.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to apprehend suspects connected to the incident, who reportedly fled before the recovery.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS) in Warri also arrested a suspected drug dealer during a stop-and-search exercise along Esisi Road.
The police disclosed that officers intercepted a tricycle and, upon searching it, recovered 13 nylon bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
A 57-year-old female suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure, while investigations continue to determine the source and intended destination of the illicit substance.
Reacting to the operational successes, Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi urged residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible information capable of aiding crime prevention and arrests.
He reassured residents that the command remains committed to ensuring public safety and bringing all criminal suspects to justice.
The Delta State Police Command also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious movements and criminal activities through its control room emergency line.
