The Delta State Police Command has intercepted a Hiace bus fully loaded with controlled substances, including codeine and tramadol, at a toll gate in Asaba, Delta State.

In a video shared on X on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the officer highlighted that the vehicle, a Hiace bus, had its license plate covered with a Delta State Government number and was darkly tinted, arousing suspicion among operatives.

“Today, we have a classic example of why covering plate numbers and tinting vehicles is a major security concern. This, for instance, is the driver we intercepted at a toll gate here in Asaba. He was bearing a special plate number from the Delta State Government, which will also be investigated,” SP Edafe said.

He added that when the driver was asked to stop, he initially tried to flee but was eventually apprehended by the command at Mami Market.

“This driver was intercepted at the toll gate here in Asaba and later apprehended at Mami Market. You wouldn’t know what they are carrying, whether they are carrying hands, guns or human head. Look at the front as well. It’s also covered. The plate number is also covered.”

He continued: “You will be shocked and amazed when we open this vehicle and find out the contents of this vehicle. They are carrying drugs. Please come and show. Drugs in large quantities. Controlled drugs, which include codeine, tramadol, and other kinds of drugs.”

The video shows bundles of codeine and tramadol being removed from one of the bags on the bus. SP Edafe described the haul, noting the substantial quantity and showing some as samples during the briefing.

“Now, it will take a lot to open up everything that we have seen, but we will just bring out a bag to sample. Now, these are CSC codeine. These are CSC codeine,” he said.

“If you come and take a look, just look at. It’s the same thing that we are having here. The same thing we are having here. We have the same thing. We also have tramadol tablets that are also here. Just look at the vehicle,” SP Edafe added.

“You will be shocked when you see the contents. Some of it we brought out just as samples, but the quantity is massive,” he concluded.

The driver, identified as Ugo Chukwu, 46, admitted covering the plate number to conceal the contents of the vehicle.

“I covered it because I don’t want anybody to know what I’m carrying,” Chukwu told police. “Some of my enemies might find out the type of business I am in or the time I will pass.”

Asked about the nature of the drugs, he said, “They are not mine; they belong to other people. I just transport them.” Chukwu also acknowledged the risks of drug abuse, particularly among youths, saying he would be concerned if any of his own children misused codeine.

SP Edafe used the arrest to reinforce the dangers of tinted vehicles and covered plates, emphasising the potential for evading police scrutiny. He concluded with a warning.

“This is not to embarrass anybody, but it’s very important for you to see why. This could have been arms. It could have been something even worse than drugs. That’s the reason why regulation of tinted vehicles is very, very important,” he said. (The PUNCH)