Delta Police Foil Ammunition Smuggling to Edo, Arrest Notorious Drug Dealer in Separate Operations

By Diafa Doubra,

In a renewed crackdown on criminal activities, the Delta State Police Command has made major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against the illegal movement of ammunition and the distribution of hard drugs across the state. The operations, carried out under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of large quantities of ammunition and illicit substances.

On October 16, 2025, officers attached to the ‘C’ Division, Asaba, led by CSP Ogbe Emmanuel, intercepted a Toyota Hiace Hummer Bus with registration number NGK 16 XB during a stop-and-search operation at the Head Bridge, Asaba. The driver, identified as Ozoemenam Sylvanus, was reportedly on his way to Edo State when he was flagged down by operatives.

According to the police, Sylvanus appeared visibly nervous during questioning, prompting a thorough search of the vehicle. The officers’ instincts proved right when 400 live cartridges were discovered carefully concealed inside the bus.

“The suspect initially claimed the parcel contained padlocks, but was left speechless when the officers uncovered the live cartridges,” a police source said.

The suspect was immediately arrested, and the ammunition recovered. The police have launched an investigation to trace the source and intended destination of the ammunition, as well as to uncover other members of the suspected criminal network.

In a separate operation, the command also recorded another major success with the arrest of Onos Afokoghene, a 37-year-old suspected drug baron known for supplying hard drugs in Warri and neighboring communities.

Acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Oboware, led a tactical team to the suspect’s base in Jeddo Community on October 10, 2025. Upon sighting the police, the suspects attempted to escape, but Onos was overpowered and apprehended after a brief chase.

During the raid, officers recovered an assortment of illicit drugs and drug-related items, including 3kg of Canadian Loud, 10kg of Indian Hemp, 24 liters of “monkey tail” (weed soaked in dry gin), several sachets of Tramadol of various strengths, and two POS machines suspected to have been used for drug transactions.

The police say investigations are ongoing to dismantle the suspect’s network of suppliers and buyers.

Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining proactive policing efforts across Delta State. He commended the officers involved for their professionalism and urged residents to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies with timely information.

“The safety and security of all residents remain our utmost priority. We urge members of the public to continue partnering with the police by reporting suspicious movements or criminal activities,” CP Abaniwonda said.