Delta State Police Command has arrested 81 suspects during a Police raid on identified black spots across Asaba metropolis as part of efforts to tackle crime and dismantle criminal networks in the state.

The suspects, comprising 50 males and 31 females, were arrested for offences including the possession and sale of suspected illicit drugs and operating an illegal checkpoint at the Asaba-Onitsha Head Bridge.

The operation, led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police alongside tactical teams of the command, also led to the impoundment of five vehicles for various offences, including operating an unauthorised taxi park at Pinnacle Junction along Okpanam Road and facilitating the sale and distribution of suspected illicit drugs in the area.

ALSO READ: NDLEA intercepts N10bn cocaine, loud, opioids at Lagos ports, arrests kingpins

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued at the weekend, describing the operation as part of the command’s proactive strategy to dismantle criminal networks and deny offenders safe havens across the state.

According to him, exhibits recovered during the raid included large quantities of tramadol and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

In a related development, the command said it had arrested nine additional suspects as it commenced a statewide crackdown on illegal roadblocks and unauthorised revenue collection along highways in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive to eliminate extortion and criminal activities on Nigerian roads.

The suspects were apprehended at strategic locations, including the River Niger Head Bridge linking Delta and Anambra states and the Benin-Asaba Expressway near Agbor.

The enforcement exercise targeted notorious locations where illegal toll collection and unauthorised roadblocks had hindered the free movement of motorists and posed security risks.

The command reiterated its commitment to restoring safety and order on highways across the state, assuring residents that the ongoing operations would be sustained to curb criminal activities.