Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have successfully intercepted a vehicle transporting a large consignment of illicit drugs, including the highly dangerous crystal methamphetamine and other banned substances.
The discovery was made during a stop-and-search operation in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Akure on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Adebowale Lawal.
According to the statement, the interception took place on August 17 at Ilaramokin, where a police team led by ASP Amos Ayuba uncovered the drugs hidden inside the vehicle.
Further investigations revealed that the car had been fitted with a stolen number plate to conceal its true identity.
This, the Command said, highlights the increasingly deceptive methods adopted by criminal elements to evade detection.
Ayanlade, while stressing the importance of community awareness, noted that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for members of the public to be more vigilant and security-conscious.
He emphasized that criminals are constantly devising new tricks to advance their unlawful trade, which makes collective effort essential in combating crime.
In response to this incident, Commissioner Lawal has directed all operatives to impound vehicles that have no registration numbers, carry fake or covered plates, as well as motorcycles whose riders are masked or hooded.
Offenders arrested in connection with such violations, he warned, will be prosecuted accordingly.
The Police Command further assured residents of Ondo State that it has intensified routine checkpoints and stop-and-search operations across major routes and communities.
These measures, it said, are aimed at frustrating criminal activities and safeguarding lives and property.
Meanwhile, the Command urged citizens to play an active role in enhancing security by providing timely and credible information that could assist law enforcement officers in tracking criminal networks.