Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have intercepted hard drugs concealed inside energy-saving bulbs and recovered a pump-action gun linked to an ongoing murder and cultism investigation in separate intelligence-driven operations across the state.
The Command disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, noting that the operations form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb illicit activities in Delta State.
According to the statement, the first breakthrough occurred on April 13, 2026, at about 8:45am, when operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol stationed along the Onicha-Ugbo/Ewohimi Road intercepted a Sienna bus travelling to the northern part of the country.
“On 13 April 2026 at about 0845hrs, operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol (SHP) stationed along the Onicha-Ugbo/Ewohimi Road intercepted a Sienna bus conveying passengers en route to the northern part of the country. The vehicle, driven by one Osuke Stephen, male, aged 47 years, was subjected to a routine but intelligence-informed search,” the statement read.
During the search, police officers uncovered illicit substances carefully concealed inside electric energy-saving bulbs.
“During the search, officers uncovered illicit substances carefully concealed inside electric energy bulbs. The exhibits recovered include 490 grams of substance suspected to be cocaine and 4 grams of weeds suspected to be loud, a strain of cannabis. Preliminary investigation revealed that the substances were being transported to Abuja. Effort to arrest other suspects linked to the offense is ongoing.”
The police said investigation into the drug trafficking case is ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Police Recover Pump-Action Gun Linked to Murder
In a related development, the Command recorded another operational success later the same day following sustained investigations into a case involving conspiracy, cultism and murder.
“In a related development, sustained investigative efforts into a case of conspiracy, cultism, and murder led to another operational breakthrough on the same day. At about 2045hrs, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence, recovered one pump-action gun with three rounds of live cartridges abandoned at the Ekigbo area of Ughelli.”
Police authorities revealed that the recovered firearm is connected to the murder of one Alex Adanike, which occurred on January 15, 2026, in Ughelli.
“The recovery is connected to an earlier case in which three suspects have been arrested, charged to court, and remanded in prison custody for the murder of one Alex Adanike, which occurred on 15 January 2026 in Ughelli. Further intelligence revealed that one Eddy Onose, male, who is currently at large, was in possession of the firearm before abandoning it upon realising he was being trailed. The suspect is also linked to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as ‘ARO BAGGAR’.”
The Command further disclosed that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and recover additional evidence.
“Efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover additional evidence.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at tackling criminal networks across the state.
The Police Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies with credible information to enhance public safety.