Operatives of the Special Cultism Squad in Anambra State have successfully dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate operating out of Isuaniocha, a community in Awka North Local Government Area. The raid, which took place in the early hours of Friday, May 30, 2025, led to the arrest of six suspects, including a female drug dealer.
In a press statement issued on Saturday by the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police confirmed that the operation followed a credible tip-off. Officers recovered large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis and other hard substances from the suspects’ hideout.
The arrested individuals include 32-year-old Chinyere Onwuka (female), John Kennedy Onwuka (36), Chidiebere Onyeze (30), Echeazu Nonso (35), Osita Chukwu Chialuka (21), and Nnebedum Wisdom (25). Their arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against drug-related crimes in the state.
According to SP Ikenga, the operation was part of the police’s efforts to curb the rising wave of drug abuse and illicit drug trade, particularly among the youth in Anambra State.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, expressed deep concern over the increasing consumption of drugs by young people. He described drug abuse as a key driver of criminal activities and antisocial behaviour.
“Drugs are the oxygen that fuels most crimes and misbehaviours we are witnessing today. Until we tackle the drug problem head-on, it will be difficult to effectively reduce crime,” CP Orutugu said.
He further stated that the police would intensify advocacy and education campaigns under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV). The initiative aims to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of drug use and other social vices.
“Our target is to reach as many youths as possible with the message that drug abuse leads nowhere but to destruction. We must protect the future of our society by ensuring our youth are not lured into these criminal activities,” he added.
Following their arrest, the suspects will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Awka for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner urged members of the public to continue assisting law enforcement by providing timely and useful information that can help identify and disrupt criminal networks.
This latest bust highlight the growing efforts of the Anambra State Police Command to rid communities of illegal drug operations, especially in areas known to be breeding grounds for cultism and drug-related offences.
Residents of Isuaniocha and surrounding communities have praised the police for their swift action, calling for continuous patrols and surveillance to ensure that such criminal elements do not return.
With the rising rate of drug-related crimes across Nigeria, security agencies have been urged to intensify collaboration and share intelligence to dismantle drug syndicates before they become deeply rooted in local communities.
