Delta Police Dismantle Sapele Drug Ring: Key Barons Apprehended

The Delta State Police Command has struck a significant blow against the local narcotics trade following a series of precision raids that led to the capture of two high-profile suspected drug barons. The operations, carried out by the specialized Quick Response Squad, unfolded across the bustling streets of Sapele and Effurun, marking a major success in the ongoing effort to sanitize the state’s urban centers from the influence of illicit substances.

The crackdown began in the opening days of the new year, as law enforcement intensified its surveillance of known “black spots” where criminal activity had reportedly begun to fester. Acting on actionable intelligence, the operatives first moved on a notorious location at New Road, situated near the Ewereto Junction in Sapele. It was here on January 3, 2026, that the team successfully apprehended 28-year-old Bemigho Omoghomi, an individual investigators believe plays a pivotal role in the local distribution network.

The momentum did not stop there. Following the initial breakthrough, the Quick Response Squad extended their reach to the Agofure Park area at the Effurun Roundabout in Warri. On January 5, 2026, a second operation resulted in the arrest of 46-year-old Onoriode Samuel. Alongside these two primary suspects, two other individuals were taken into custody, further crippling the operational capacity of the syndicate.

The raids were not just about the arrests but also about cutting off the supply chain. During the search of the targeted premises, police officers recovered an expansive cache of illicit drugs. While the specific chemical breakdown of the haul is still being processed, officials described the quantities as “large,” indicating a commercial scale of operation that posed a direct threat to the safety and well-being of the surrounding communities.

The Commissioner of Police for Delta State, CP Aina Adesola, has been vocal about the command’s zero-tolerance policy regarding the sale and distribution of narcotics. The confirmation of these arrests was channeled through the office of the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who detailed the strategic nature of the raids. Edafe noted that the success of the mission was a testament to the effectiveness of the command’s intelligence-gathering mechanisms and the swiftness of the tactical units.

Local residents in Sapele and Effurun have long expressed concerns about the rising visibility of drug-related activities in public spaces like motor parks and major junctions. The police intervention at Ewereto Junction and Agofure Park is seen as a direct response to these communal anxieties. By targeting the perceived leadership of these rings—those categorized as “barons”—the command hopes to create a vacuum that will deter smaller dealers from operating in the open.

SP Edafe further assured the public that the suspects are currently being held in secure custody. The legal process is already in motion, with a comprehensive investigation underway to trace the origins of the recovered substances and identify any potential collaborators still at large. The police intend to build a foolproof case to ensure that those responsible for fueling addiction and related crimes face the full weight of the law.

The timing of these arrests is particularly noteworthy, occurring just as the state moves into the busy first week of the year. Historically, periods of high transit and celebration can see a spike in the movement of contraband. The proactiveness of the CP Aina Adesola-led command suggests a shift toward a more preventative stance, using high-visibility raids to disrupt criminal logistics before they can fully settle into a new year of operation.

As the investigation expands, the police are encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing the tips that make such raids possible. The synergy between the public and the Quick Response Squad is proving to be a formidable barrier against the encroachment of drug cartels in Delta State. For now, the streets of Sapele and the busy Effurun Roundabout are a little safer, as the command prepares for the next phase of its anti-crime offensive.