The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a suspected drug dealer, Aliyu Suleman, and recovered 64 bottles of methylene chloride and 17 pieces of rubber solution.

The 23-year-old suspect, a resident of Tudun Salmanu in Bauchi, was arrested by operatives of the Vehicle Crime Response Unit during an intelligence-led operation at Bayan Gari in the Bauchi metropolis on Tuesday.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

He said the suspect was intercepted at about 5pm during the operation, following intelligence gathered by the command.

According to him, a search of the suspect led to the recovery of 64 bottles containing methylene chloride, locally known as “Suck and Die”, as well as 17 pieces of rubber solution.

The police said the recovered substances had been seized and registered as exhibits, while Suleman remained in custody and was cooperating with investigators.

The suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations, the command said.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling the distribution and abuse of harmful substances across the state.

He directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to intensify surveillance and operations aimed at dismantling networks involved in the sale and abuse of illicit drugs and other harmful substances.

The command also urged parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.

It stressed that combating drug abuse required collective efforts from security agencies, families and communities.