The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old suspected drug dealer, Chinedu Nwankwo, and recovered suspected illicit drugs valued at about ₦5.8 million.

Nwankwo was arrested in the early hours of Saturday, August 29, 2026, by operatives of the Rapid Response Team during an intelligence-led patrol along the Nteje–Otuocha Road.

The police said the substances recovered from the suspect included suspected Cannabis Sativa, Methamphetamine and Colorado, also known as Colos.

According to the Command, preliminary investigation showed that the suspect was allegedly transporting the drugs to Otuocha, Anyamelium, Nzam, Umuleri and Aguleri for delivery to suspected criminal elements.

The Command added that investigators were examining whether the consignments were connected to activities allegedly intended to disrupt the ongoing Local Government Council elections in the state.

The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in police custody, while investigation continues to establish the full extent of his activities and identify other persons who may be linked to the alleged network.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and sustained patrols, particularly during the election period.

Ama said illicit drugs could fuel criminality, noting that drug trafficking and abuse could provide resources for criminal activities and embolden individuals involved in violent and other offences.

The Commissioner directed officers to sustain intelligence-led operations and targeted raids on identified criminal hideouts and other locations of interest across the state, in collaboration with sister security agencies.

He said the measures were aimed at preventing criminal activities and containing emerging threats before they escalate.

The Command also assured residents that it would continue to work to protect lives and property and maintain security throughout the electoral process.

The statement was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, on August 29, 2026.