•The suspects and seized items
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cross River State Command has seized 2,687 tonnes of cannabis sativa and its seeds in Obereakai community, Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The State Commander of NDLEA, Rachael Umebuali, disclosed today in Calabar that the seizure was made following a tip-off and a four-hour operations, reports The PUNCH.
She said, “We discovered a warehouse with several bags of Indian hemp. We have been on operations between 11pm yesterday and 3 am this morning. We have arrested three suspects. The seeds weigh about 163kg and could be cultivated on at least 1,000 hectares of farmland. If released into society, it would bring significant harm.”
Umebuali appreciated the state government’s support, particularly from the Office of the State Security Adviser, which facilitated the successful operation, assuring that the agency would continue to combat drug trafficking in the state.
“The people go to the rural areas, places they know it is difficult to access because of the terrain so they can perpetuate this evil. As long as people can reach there, we will also reach there because it is our business to combat this menace, “she emphasised.
She assured that the agency would go after the main suspect behind the seized drugs and bring him alongside the suspects to book in line with the law.
The suspects arrested were 47 years old, Friday Archibong, 21 years old Abraham Anthony, and 24 years old Utibe Okon.
Archibong claimed to be the landlord of the premises, stating he rented it to one Ruben Udo, who allegedly escaped with his family.
Anthony Abraham, on his part, revealed that the drugs were typically transported by boat via the Okpo River from farms owned by Ruben Udo.
Umebuali expressed concern about the potential impact of such a large quantity of drugs on the community, saying that if such get to the society, it would cause great harm.
