The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cross River State Command has intercepted 2,687 tonnes of cannabis sativa and its seeds in Obereakai community, Akamkpa Local Government Area.
State Commander Rachael Umebuali disclosed the seizure on Thursday in Calabar, stating that the operation was conducted following a tip-off and lasted four hours.
“We discovered a warehouse with several bags of Indian hemp. We have been on operations between 11 pm yesterday and 3 am this morning. We have arrested three suspects. The seeds weigh about 163kg and could be cultivated on at least 1,000 hectares of farmland. If released into society, it would bring significant harm,” Umebuali said.
She commended the state government for its support, particularly the Office of the State Security Adviser, which facilitated the successful operation. The commander vowed that the agency would sustain its efforts to combat drug trafficking in the state.
“The people go to the rural areas, places they know it is difficult to access because of the terrain so they can perpetuate this evil. As long as people can reach there, we will also reach there because it is our business to combat this menace,” she emphasised.
Umebuali assured that the NDLEA would track down the main suspect behind the seized drugs and prosecute him alongside the arrested suspects in accordance with the law.
The arrested suspects include 47-year-old Friday Archibong, who claimed to be the landlord of the premises. He stated that he rented the property to one Ruben Udo, who allegedly fled with his family.
The other suspects are 21-year-old Abraham Anthony and 24-year-old Utibe Okon. Anthony revealed that the drugs were usually transported by boat via the Okpo River from farms owned by Ruben Udo.
Umebuali expressed concern over the potential societal harm of such a large drug haul, warning that its circulation would have caused significant damage. She reiterated the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks in the state.
