The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Aina Adesola, has attributed the recent increase in murder cases across the state to the abuse of illicit drugs, warning that substance abuse is fast becoming a major driver of violent crime.

Adesola made this known on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Asaba, saying intelligence reports and investigations by the command had revealed a strong link between drug abuse and incidents of murder, cultism and other violent crimes in the state.

According to him, the police command has intensified operations aimed at dismantling drug networks and arresting individuals involved in the sale and abuse of hard drugs across Delta’s 25 local government areas.

“The command will not relent in its efforts to clamp down on those involved in the abuse and distribution of illicit drugs, as these substances are largely responsible for the senseless killings we are witnessing,” the commissioner said.

Recent Murder Incident

The police commissioner cited a recent murder case in Ogwashi-Uku as a clear example of the dangers posed by drug abuse.

He explained that on Jan. 8, at about 3:20 a.m., a 20-year-old man was stabbed to death while asleep along Poly Road near Adaigbo Filling Station.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, identified as the victim’s younger brother, was allegedly under the influence of illicit drugs at the time of the attack.

The suspect was arrested, while the knife used in committing the crime was recovered, Adesola disclosed.

He described the incident as tragic and avoidable, stressing that drug abuse often impairs judgment and fuels uncontrollable violence.

Police Operational Gains

The commissioner also highlighted the command’s operational achievements between Jan. 8 and date, noting that sustained raids and intelligence-led operations had yielded significant results.

According to him, the command recorded the following:

• 11 firearms recovered

• 80 rounds of ammunition and cartridges seized

• 11 suspects arrested for murder

• 13 suspected cultists apprehended

• One suspect arrested for rape and defilement

Call for Collaboration

Adesola commended the Delta State Government for its support and collaboration with security agencies, while urging residents to assist the police by providing timely and credible information.

He stressed that tackling drug abuse required a collective effort involving parents, community leaders, religious institutions and relevant government agencies.
“Security is a shared responsibility.

We urge members of the public to partner with the police in ridding our communities of drugs and criminal elements,” he said.