The police command in Kogi will continue to sustain aggressive operations targeted at dismantling criminal syndicates and preventing the movement of illicit substances through the state.

The police commissioner, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, made the pledge while addressing newsmen in Lokoja on Tuesday following the arrest of  a 52-year-old man with 339 wraps of substances suspected to be cannabis.

The suspect, Mr Kankarofi said, was arrested during a stop-and-search operation in Kabba, Kabba/Bunu LGA.

Mr Kankarofi said the operation was carried out on May 9, at about 1400hrs, following intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention measures.

”Ooperatives of the area command in Kabba intercepted a Honda Pilot Jeep with registration number LSD 456 GE during routine stop-and-search duties.

”The vehicle was driven by Chris Amos, 52, with Bilat Joseph as a passenger. A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered 339 wraps of substances reasonably suspected to be Indian hemp concealed inside.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects picked up the consignment from Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti on the instruction of an individual identified only as ‘Alhaji’,” the police chief said.

The suspects have been taken into police custody along with the recovered exhibits.

Mr Kankarofi said investigation was ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure diligent prosecution of everyone connected to the crime.

The police chief stated that illicit drug trafficking remained a major driver of violent crimes in society.

Mr Kankarofi reassured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property through proactive policing, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with other security agencies and the public.

(NAN)