In a massive statewide security operation to reduce crime and enforce traffic laws, the Gombe State Police Command reports that it has detained a suspected drug dealer and seized more than 300 motorbikes and tricycles.
The operation targeted criminal elements, traffic law offenders, and those in possession of hazardous weapons and illegal substances, according to a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, Buhari Abdullahi.
Abdullahi revealed that Muhammad Ibrahim, age 26, was the suspect who had been taken into custody.
He was allegedly discovered in possession of two litres of a dangerous substance called “Suck and Die,” six bottles of a local intoxicant called “Kurkura,” 226 wraps of Indian hemp, 568 tablets of Valium 5, and 136 capsules of Tramadol.
Police also recovered over N200,000 in cash and 102 packets of cigarettes from the suspect.
The operation further led to the seizure of more than 500 knives, 148 cutlasses, and several other sharp objects from different parts of the state.
According to the police, some of the weapons were traced to illegal fabricators and distributors.
In the course of the crackdown, 220 motorcycles and 69 tricycles were impounded for infractions such as lack of registration and identification, and the use of curtains at night, a practice the state government says facilitates criminal concealment.
Additionally, 38 motorcycles were confiscated for using truck horns, which police described as contributing to noise pollution and increasing the risk of road accidents.
Some of the impounded vehicles were reportedly linked to cases of robbery and drug-related offences.
The command also disclosed that three suspects were arrested for allegedly tampering with the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of stolen phones.
Owners of the seized vehicles have been instructed to report to the police command with valid documentation for verification.
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