The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, Aliyu Suleman, over possession and distribution of 81 bottles and pieces of substances suspected to be harmful drugs in the state.
Suleman was taken into custody after police operatives intercepted him during an intelligence-led operation and searched him, leading to the recovery of 64 bottles of Methylene Chloride and 17 pieces of Rubber Solution.
It was gathered on Wednesday that the arrest was carried out yesterday at Bayan Gari in Bauchi metropolis at about 5pm.
The suspect, who resides in the Tudun Salmanu area of the state, was arrested by operatives of the Vehicle Crime Response Unit.
Police spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, disclosed the development in a statement, saying the substances had been recovered and preserved as exhibits as investigations continued.
Habib identified the recovered Methylene Chloride as a substance locally known as “Suck and Die”, while the other seized items were identified as Rubber Solutions.
According to the command, Suleman remains in police custody and has been assisting investigators as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged drug dealing activity.
The police spokesperson added that the suspect would be prosecuted after investigators conclude their inquiry into the case.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, said the command would sustain operations against the distribution and abuse of substances capable of harming residents, particularly vulnerable members of the community.
He directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across the state to strengthen surveillance and intensify efforts to identify and disrupt networks involved in the sale and abuse of illicit and harmful substances.
Also, the command urged parents, guardians and community leaders to remain watchful and promptly share useful information with security agencies, stressing that tackling substance abuse requires cooperation between law enforcement and members of the public.