The Delta State Police Command has intercepted 400 live cartridges concealed in a commercial vehicle and arrested a suspected drug baron in separate operations across the state.

During a routine surveillance and stop-and-search operation at the Head Bridge, Asaba, operatives of the ‘C’ Division flagged down a Toyota Hiace Hummer Bus with registration number NGK 16 XB, driven by one Ozoemenam Sylvanus.

The driver, who appeared uneasy during questioning, raised the suspicion of the officers led by CSP Ogbe Emmanuel. A search conducted on October 16, 2025, led to the discovery of 400 live cartridges carefully concealed inside the vehicle.

Spokesperson for the command, Bright Edafe, said the suspect initially claimed that the parcels contained padlocks but was “left speechless” when the packages were opened and the ammunition was discovered. He was immediately arrested, and both he and the exhibits were taken into custody.

In a separate operation on October 10, 2025, operatives of the Orerokpe Division arrested 37-year-old Onos Afokoghene, described by police as a notorious drug baron known for distributing large quantities of hard drugs in Warri and neighbouring communities.

Acting on a tip-off, the Divisional Police Officer, Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Oboware, led patrol teams to a hotspot in Jeddo community, where the suspect and others were allegedly selling and consuming illicit substances.

Sensing the approach of the police, the suspects attempted to flee, but Afokoghene was apprehended after a brief pursuit. A search of the scene uncovered several illicit drugs and items used in large-scale distribution.

Exhibits recovered included 3kg of Canadian Loud, 10kg of Indian hemp, 24 litres of soaked weed suspected to be Indian hemp in dry gin (locally known as “monkey tail”), several sachets of Tramadol of various strengths, and two POS machines suspected to have been used for drug transactions.
The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue to trace his network of distributors and buyers.