Borno Police Intercept 55 Sacks of Illicit Drugs Bound for Cross-Border Smuggling

Operatives of the Borno State Police Command have intercepted a large consignment of suspected illicit substances allegedly destined for cross-border smuggling, arresting one suspect during an intelligence-led operation in Maiduguri.

The operation, carried out by the Command's X-Squad on Thursday evening, led to the interception of an Isuzu Bedford pickup truck along the Baga Road Bypass.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, officers searched the vehicle and recovered 55 sacks containing numerous 60ml bottles of an illicit substance locally known as "Gumm."

Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the consignment was being transported to Ngamboru Ngala Local Government Area, from where it was allegedly intended to be smuggled across Nigeria's international border.

The driver of the vehicle, Babagana Modu 51, was arrested at the scene.

According to the police, the suspect told investigators he had been contracted to transport the consignment to its intended destination.

The command said efforts were underway to identify and arrest other individuals believed to be connected to the suspected trafficking operation.

"The case remains under active investigation and further details will be communicated as investigations progress," the statement said.

Commissioner of Police Naziru Abdulmajid reaffirmed the command's commitment to tackling drug trafficking and other organised crimes across Borno State.

The police also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to prevent crime and dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.