Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected members of a fraud syndicate and recovered 1,600 counterfeit United States dollar bills during an intelligence-led operation in Asaba.
The command also arrested two suspected drug dealers and seized large quantities of suspected illicit substances in separate operations across the state.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the developments in a statement on Thursday, describing them as significant breakthroughs in the command’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud, drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
According to the statement, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched surveillance on a five-man syndicate allegedly involved in defrauding members of the public with counterfeit US dollar notes while operating in a red, unregistered Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV.
The operation led to the arrest of four suspects identified as Joshua Nwaosa, Daniel Arhewe, Prince Chukwuma and John Egwuba along Nnebisi Road in Asaba on June 9.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to operating from a hideout within the state capital. Acting on the information, police operatives raided the location and recovered 1,600 counterfeit US dollar notes as well as military camouflage concealed in the premises.
The police said investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and identify other members still at large.
In a separate operation on the same day, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) acting on intelligence stormed Owaliru and Alihame communities in Ika North-East Local Government Area, where they arrested two female suspects allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
The suspects, identified as Ifeoma Egbule, 36, and Anayeokwu Florence, 51, were found in possession of substantial quantities of suspected illicit substances, including GH Gold, Colorado, cannabis and Canadian Loud.
Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were actively engaged in the distribution of the substances within the area. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the drug distribution network.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and enhancing public safety across the state.
He assured residents that the command would continue to intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and maintain law and order.
