Police Arrest 20-Year-Old Man, Recover 110 Blocks of Suspected Indian Hemp in Taraba

The Taraba State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old man, Yusuf Aliyu, and recovered 110 blocks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp in Bali Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect, who reportedly resides in Chigeri, Fofure Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was arrested during an intelligence-led patrol along the Jalingo-Bali axis on October 13, 2026.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday.

According to the statement, police operatives intercepted Aliyu at Dakka Village after discovering suspicious materials in his possession.

A search reportedly led to the recovery of 110 blocks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, concealed in three black sacks.

The police said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspect allegedly admitted ownership of the substance and claimed to have purchased it from a man identified only as Ayaga in Dakka Village.

The alleged supplier is currently at large, while operatives are intensifying efforts to locate and arrest him for further investigation.

The command stated that the suspect and the recovered exhibits would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Taraba State Command, for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, Edwin Ogbeghagha, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating crime and criminal activities across the state in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

Ogbeghagha warned drug traffickers and other criminal elements against activities that threaten public safety, youth development and community security.

He added that the police, working with relevant agencies and the Taraba State Government, would continue to intensify efforts to tackle drug-related offences and promote a safer environment.

The police commissioner urged individuals involved in the cultivation, trafficking, distribution and sale of illicit drugs to desist from such activities or face the consequences of the law.

He also appealed to members of the public to provide credible and timely information about suspected drug trafficking and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or appropriate security agency.

The command assured residents that it would sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen cooperation with relevant agencies to protect lives and property across Taraba State.