Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A 63-year-old man, Asuquo Etim from Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area, has been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for allegedly transporting two large bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, a hard drug, from Atabong Park to Esit Eket. The arrest took place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., following a tip-off that led to the deployment of a specialized surveillance and stop-and-search team. The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Uyo on Thursday, May 21, 2026, revealing that preliminary investigations indicated the seized items were handed over to the suspect by an active soldier for delivery and sale in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area.
According to the police statement, operatives acted on credible intelligence that a suspected drug trafficker was transporting bags of illegal substances along the Atabong Park to Esit Eket route. The surveillance team was quickly assembled, and Etim was intercepted during the operation. A thorough search of his person and belongings yielded two large bags containing the suspected narcotics. The police have not disclosed the exact weight or estimated street value of the seized substances, but sources familiar with the case described the quantity as "significant" and consistent with distribution-level trafficking rather than personal use.
DSP Timfon John stated that further preliminary investigations revealed that the drugs were allegedly given to Etim by a serving soldier, who tasked him with delivering and selling them in Ibaka, a coastal town in Mbo Local Government Area known for its bustling commercial activities and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which has made it a hub for illicit trade. The police have not released the identity of the soldier or the unit he serves in, but confirmed that discreet investigations are underway to uncover the entire network behind the supply chain and to apprehend other accomplices involved in the crime.
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibam State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has reiterated the command's dedication to intelligence-led policing and a vigorous crackdown on criminal elements that threaten the peace and security of the state. "Those involved in drug trafficking and other criminal activities should cease their actions or be ready to face the full consequences of the law," CP Azare warned. The police chief also commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations against crime in the state.
The arrest of a 63-year-old man highlights the pervasive nature of drug trafficking in the Niger Delta region, where Indian hemp (cannabis sativa) is cultivated and trafficked across state lines. Despite repeated crackdowns by law enforcement, the illicit drug trade remains a significant challenge, fueled by high demand, poverty, and the involvement of individuals across all age groups, including elderly persons who may be coerced or recruited as couriers due to their lower profile. The alleged involvement of a serving soldier in this case adds a troubling dimension, raising questions about the extent to which security personnel may be complicit in or victimized by drug syndicates.
The Akwa Ibam State Police Command has not yet announced whether Etim will be charged in court or if the soldier involved will be identified and arrested. However, CP Azare has assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in the investigation. "We are determined to dismantle every drug trafficking network operating within this state. Those who think they can hide behind uniforms or old age will be exposed and prosecuted," he said.
As of the time of this report, Etim remains in police custody, and the two large bags of suspected Indian hemp have been secured as exhibits. The police have called on residents of Esit Eket, Mbo, and surrounding local government areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command's emergency lines. The case serves as a reminder that the war against drugs is not only about quantity but also about the networks that enable the trade, and that no one, regardless of age or association, is above the law.
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