The Delta State Police Command has arrested six persons and recovered quantities of suspected illicit drugs, including Tramadol and Rohypnol, during a raid on a suspected drug outlet in Agbor, Ika South Local Council of the state.

The operation was carried out by operatives of the Department of Operations following credible intelligence about a store allegedly being used for the sale and distribution of illicit drugs.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement yesterday, stated that the operatives were on routine patrol along Alegwe Street, off Owa Road, Agbor, when they acted on the intelligence and raided the suspected drug outlet.

Those arrested were identified as Anabel Haruna, 18; Terhemen Faith, 19; Kaityo Abigail, 23; Iorkee Eunice, 26; and Osomuri Emmanuel, 31. A 15-year-old female juvenile was also arrested, but her identity was withheld in line with protections for minors.

The police said the operation was subsequently extended to a vehicle allegedly linked to the suspects, where the operatives recovered quantities of Tramadol, Rohypnol and other substances suspected to be illicit drugs.

The suspects and recovered exhibits have been taken into custody as investigators intensify efforts to determine the source of the substances, establish the roles allegedly played by those arrested and ascertain whether the operation is linked to a wider drug distribution network.

The arrests are part of the command’s broader efforts to disrupt the sale and distribution of illicit drugs and prevent drug-related criminality across Delta State.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, warned individuals and groups involved in the illicit drug trade that the command would continue to identify and dismantle drug distribution networks operating in the state.

Erale expressed concern over the link between the proliferation of illicit drugs and violent crime, noting that the illegal drug trade could fuel other forms of criminality and pose a threat to public safety.

He directed police operatives across the command to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and enforcement operations against drug dealers, distributors and their networks.

The commissioner also assured residents that Delta State would not be allowed to become a safe haven for illicit drug dealers or other criminal enterprises.

He urged the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying criminal activities in their communities.

The command assured residents that information supplied to the police would be treated with appropriate confidentiality, while reiterating its commitment to protecting life and property and maintaining peace and security across the state.