The police command in Akwa Ibom on Monday said it raided illegal arms production centres in the state and arrested two suspects.

The police public relations officer (PPRO), Timfom John, disclosed in a statement that operatives stormed a suspected criminal facility at Idem Street, off Itu Road, Uyo, on Sunday and arrested the suspects.

“The operation was carried out by operatives of the command following intelligence reports that illicit chin-chin snacks laced with Indian hemp were being produced and distributed from the location.

“Upon raiding the premises, police operatives discovered that the facility was not only being used for the production of narcotic-laced food items but also functioned as a clandestine arms and ammunition fabrication workshop.

“During a thorough search of the premises, the following exhibits were recovered: eight refilled cartridges, six empty expended cartridges, and one bag of gunpowder, among others,” Ms John said.

She said preliminary investigation revealed that the principal suspect was a graduate of animal science and allegedly operated the illegal facility.

According to the PPRO, the suspects confessed to producing narcotic-laced chin-chin and engaging in the illegal fabrication and modification of firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons.

The police spokesperson said the suspects were currently in police custody, while a discreet investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network mentioned during interrogation.

She reaffirmed the command’s unwavering resolve to identify, dismantle, and prosecute individuals involved in illegal arms fabrication, drug distribution, and other criminal activities that threaten public safety.

(NAN)