BY RITA OYIBOKA
The Delta State Police Command has intercepted a vehicle loaded with hard drugs in Asaba, arresting a 46-year-old driver identified as Ugochukwu, who attempted to evade security operatives.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this, yesterday, in a video posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. He described the incident as a “classic example” of why the police remain firm on the enforcement of regulations against covered number plates and darkly tinted vehicles.
According to Edafe, the driver was first sighted at Toll Gate, Asaba, but sped off when flagged down by police operatives. He was later apprehended at the Mammy Market area after a brief chase.
“The first thing that aroused the suspicion of the policemen was the covered plate number. Then they noticed the car was darkly tinted all around, so you can’t see what’s inside. You wouldn’t know if they’re carrying arms, drugs, or even human heads,” Edafe said in the video.
Upon searching the vehicle, police officers reportedly discovered a large quantity of controlled drugs, including codeine and tramadol, concealed in bags.
Speaking during interrogation, the suspect, who identified himself as Ugochukwu, admitted covering his plate number to avoid detection.
“I covered it because I don’t want anybody to know what I’m carrying,” he said. “Some of my enemies, I don’t want them to know when I will pass or not pass.”
When asked about his involvement in the drug trade, he confessed to conveying such consignments since last year, though “not always.” He also acknowledged that the drugs did not belong to him, claiming he was only transporting them for others.
Edafe condemned the act and stressed the public safety implications of such concealments.
“This could have been arms or something even more dangerous than drugs. That’s why we insist on enforcing the laws on tinted vehicles and covered plates. They are often used to commit crimes or evade security scrutiny,” he said.
The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
The Delta Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying surveillance and clampdowns on tinted and unregistered vehicles across the state to stem criminal activities.
