The police command in Oyo State has seized various quantities of suspected illicit drugs hidden in an apartment located along Abanise street, Academy area, Olomi, Ibadan.

In a statement on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said police operatives achieved the feat through credible intelligence and strategic partnership.

“In furtherance of its sustained efforts to combat drug-related crimes and enhance public safety, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that operatives of the command have successfully recovered and seized various quantities of suspected illicit drugs from a criminal hideout in Ibadan,” the statement noted.

According to the police spokesman, the command gathered that the hideout, situated in Olomi area of Ibadan, was used by a suspect, named Oluwadamilare Adedayo, to stock large consignments of illicit drugs.

Mr Olayinka noted that detectives deployed to the scene recovered exhibits including nine (9) bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, one hundred and one (101) wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Canadian Loud, as well as other hard and illicit drugs.

“Prompted by this intelligence, information received indicated that an apartment located along Abanise Street, Academy area, Olomi, Ibadan, was being used to stockpile a large consignment of suspected illicit drugs by one Oluwadamilare Adedayo (male) of the same address,” Mr Olayinka said.

He added, “During the operation, nine (9) bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, one hundred and one (101) wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Canadian Loud, as well as other hard and illicit drugs, were recovered and duly secured as exhibits, thereby disrupting a suspected drug distribution network within the area.”

The police spokesman stated that the state Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, directed that the suspect, who was absent at the time of the police operation, be apprehended.

“In view of the suspect’s absence at the time of the operation, intensive surveillance and a coordinated manhunt have been launched on the express directive of the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, to apprehend the suspect who is believed to have concealed the exhibits prior to police intervention,” the spokesman said.

Commending the synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and other sister security outfits in the state, Mr Haruna noted that “strategic partnership and seamless collaboration” played a key role in the success of the police operation.

Emphasising collective responsibility, the command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the fight against crimes in the state.