Police raid illegal arms, drug-laced snacks factory in A’Ibom
The police added that the operation followed intelligence reports that illicit chin-chin snacks allegedly laced with Indian hemp were being produced and distributed from the premises. DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, stated that upon storming the location, officers discovered that the facility was not only being used for the production of narcotic-laced food items but also served as a clandestine workshop for the fabrication of arms and ammunition.
Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has said that on 15 March 2026, at about 9:00 pm, its operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal facility located on Idem Street, Off Itu Road, Uyo.
The police added that the operation followed intelligence reports that illicit chin-chin snacks allegedly laced with Indian hemp were being produced and distributed from the premises.
DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, stated that upon storming the location, officers discovered that the facility was not only being used for the production of narcotic-laced food items but also served as a clandestine workshop for the fabrication of arms and ammunition.
“A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of several items, including eight refilled cartridges, six empty cartridges, a bag of gunpowder, refilling pellets, a pack of striking pins, and a rifle butt.
“Other items recovered were filing, cutting and drilling machines used for weapon fabrication, filing and cutting stones, assorted saws, two machetes, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, packets of chin-chin believed to be laced with the substance, two pairs of black military boots, belts and a jacket, a laptop computer, and three live turtles suspected to be used for charms, among other incriminating materials.
“During the operation, the police arrested two suspects identified as Marsodi John and Koabasi Marsodi, also known as “Five”. Both suspects are indigenes of Uya Oron in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspect, Koabasi Marsodi, a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, allegedly operated the illegal facility. Police said he confessed to producing narcotic-laced chin-chin and engaging in the illegal fabrication and modification of firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons,” John said.
According to her, the suspects are currently in police custody while investigations continue to track down other members of the criminal network mentioned during interrogation.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s determination to identify, dismantle and prosecute individuals involved in illegal arms fabrication, drug distribution and other criminal activities threatening public safety.
He warned that anyone involved in criminal enterprises in the state should desist immediately or face the full weight of the law, adding that the command would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations across identified black spots.
Azare also urged members of the public to support the police with timely and credible information, assuring that all tips would be treated with strict confidentiality.
