Bauchi Police Bust Drug Syndicate, Arrest Convicted Dealer Over Use of 14-Year-Old as Courier

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

The Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) of the Bauchi State Police Command has busted another drug syndicate and arrested a convicted dealer.

This was revealed by Superintendent of Police Nafiu Habib, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, in a press release.

Habib disclosed that the Unit rescued a minor used as a courier, a clear testament to its sustained operational effectiveness.

“The Unit has also successfully secured the conviction of all suspects arrested in the previous operations,” the PPRO disclosed.

“On October 26 at about 1100hrs, operatives of the VCRU led by the Officer-in-Charge, while on routine patrol, intercepted one Samuel Nkemakolan Kosi, ‘M’, 14 years old, on his way to deliver a pinch of granular whitish substance suspected to be Ice (Methamphetamine) to a customer.

“Upon interrogation, the minor confessed that he was sent by one Samuel Ogochukwu, ‘M’, 22 years old, a convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery.

“Sequel to this, detectives immediately traced and arrested the said Samuel Ogochukwu at his location.

“A thorough search conducted at his shop and residence led to the recovery of the following exhibits: 3.5 grams of substance suspected to be Ice (Methamphetamine); 17 sachets of 100mg Tramadol capsules; five sachets of 300mg Pregabalin capsules; seven sachets of Diazepam; 12 pieces of Exol tablets; two wraps of substance known as ‘Yellow Boys’; and one sachet of ‘Shine Shine Leather.’”

Nafiu stated that during investigation, the principal suspect disclosed that he received his illicit supplies via waybills from Onitsha, Anambra State.

“The 14-year-old minor has been handled in line with juvenile best practices and will be reunited with his family after counselling, while the principal suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” he stated.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc(+), commends the VCRU for its consistency, doggedness and result-oriented policing, noting that four major drug busts and subsequent convictions in ten days are a strong warning to criminal elements.

“He assures the public that the command will sustain the tempo against drug trafficking and all forms of criminality in the State.”