Two Suspects In Police Custody Over Illicit Business In Akwa Ibom

By Patrick Titus, Uyo

Two indigenes of Uya Oron in Akwa Ibom State namely: Marsodi John (M) and Koabasi Marsodi (M) a.k.a Five are in Police custody over alleged production of narcotic-laced chin-chin and engaging in the illegal fabrication and modification of firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons.

Their arrest followed a sustained Operation Zero Black Spots, a strategic initiative by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts, illegal arms production centres and drug networks across the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John who confirmed the arrest said the operatives of the Command on March 15, 2026, acting on information, raided the suspected criminal facility located at Idem Street, off Itu Road, Uyo.

According to DSP John, intelligence reports revealed that illicit chin-chin snacks laced with Indian hemp were being produced and distributed from the location.

“Upon raiding the premises, Police operatives discovered that the facility was not only being used for the production of narcotic-laced food items but also functioned as a clandestine arms and ammunition fabrication workshop.

“During a thorough search of the premises, the following exhibits were recovered: Eight (8) refilled cartridges, Six (6) empty expended cartridges, One (1) bag of gunpowder, Refilling pellets, A pack of striking pins, One rifle butt and filing, cutting and drilling machines used for weapon fabrication, filing and cutting stones and assorted sets of saws.

Also, “Two machetes, Substance suspected to be Indian hemp, Packets of chin-chin suspected to be laced with Indian hemp, Two pairs of black military boots, belts and jacket, One laptop computer, Three live turtles suspected to be used for charms and other incriminating items,” DSP John stated.

Preliminary investigation, however, revealed that the principal suspect, Koabasi Marsodi, a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, allegedly operates the illegal facility.

He confessed to producing narcotic-laced chin-chin and engaging in the illegal fabrication and modification of firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering resolve to identify, dismantle and prosecute individuals involved in illegal arms fabrication, drug distribution and other criminal activities that threaten public safety.

He further warned that any individual or group involved in criminal enterprises within the state should immediately desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law, as the Command will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations across all identified black spots.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information, assuring that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.