The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered and seized a large cache of suspected illicit drugs from an apartment in Ibadan.
The Oyo state Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday afternoon, described the operation as a major blow to drug stockpiling and distribution chain within the state.
He stated that the operation, carried out by detectives acting on credible intelligence, led to the discovery of the suspected drugs at a residence located along Abanise Street in the Academy area of Olomi, Ibadan.
The Police said the intelligence was provided by a strategic partner of the Command which enabled swift and targeted action.
According to the Police, information received indicated that the apartment was being used as a hideout for storing large quantities of suspected illegal substances by a male suspect identified as Oluwadamilare Adedayo, who resides at the address.
Acting on this tip-off, operatives were immediately deployed to the location to verify the claim.
A thorough search of the apartment and its immediate surroundings resulted in the recovery of nine bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 101 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Canadian Loud, alongside other suspected hard and illicit drugs.
The items according to the police, were secured as exhibits, effectively disrupting what police believe to be an active drug stockpiling and distribution network in the area.
“The suspect was not present at the scene during the operation. However, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, has ordered intensive surveillance and a coordinated manhunt to ensure his arrest, ” The police statement said.
Police authorities believe the suspect fled after concealing the recovered exhibits prior to the arrival of operatives.
He also praised the collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, sister security agencies, and community stakeholders, noting that their cooperation and timely information were central to the success of the operation.
The Police Command stated that the development reinforces its proactive approach to crime prevention, particularly in curbing the circulation of illicit drugs, which are often linked to violent crimes and other criminal activities.
The Oyo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public safety and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that effective security is a shared responsibility.
The police said the recovered exhibits are currently in police custody, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the suspected drug operation.