Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have apprehended a suspected drug trafficker who allegedly disguised himself as a dispatch rider to distribute illicit substances, in a development that underscores ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt the supply of hard drugs in the region. The arrest, made during a routine intelligence-led patrol, resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of suspected tramadol and crystal methamphetamine, police confirmed.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent Daniel Ndukwe, officers attached to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Squad arrested 27-year-old Desmond Obodo Chilota at about 6:13 a.m. on January 18, 2026, during a surveillance patrol in the Uwani area of Enugu metropolis. The suspect was allegedly disguised as a commercial dispatch rider and was riding a red Kymco motorcycle at the time of his arrest.
Police said the disguise was used to conceal and transport illicit drugs, with a large quantity of highly restricted tramadol recovered directly from the suspect upon his apprehension. In addition to the drugs seized from Chilota, officers also recovered an abandoned bag containing substances suspected to be crystal methamphetamine — locally referred to as “Mkpuru-mmiri” — along with an Android mobile phone at Onu-Asata in the Ogui area of Enugu. The bag was reportedly left behind by other suspects who fled on sighting the patrol team.
The police have confirmed that further efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspects, with the recovered exhibits, including the motorcycle and illicit substances, currently undergoing detailed investigation and forensic analysis.
Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing drug trafficking and other criminal activities across Enugu State. He highlighted the importance of routine patrols and active engagement with local communities as part of the wider strategy to enhance security and dismantle narcotics networks.
Drug trafficking and misuse remain persistent challenges across Nigeria, with authorities frequently emphasising the role of disguised couriers and improvisation tactics by criminal networks to evade detection. Recent reports have pointed to trends where riders and couriers are either wittingly involved in or exploited for the transportation of controlled substances, complicating enforcement efforts.
Police have urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities within their communities to security operatives, reinforcing the message that civilian support is critical to stemming the flow of illicit drugs. The Enugu State Command also encouraged residents to cooperate with law enforcement as investigations proceed.
As the case develops, authorities are expected to provide updates on the status of the investigation and any subsequent charges that may be brought against the suspect and his accomplices.
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