**Illegal Blood Bank Busted in Delta State: Lab Technician Arrested** In a shocking discovery, the police in Delta State have apprehended a laboratory technician for allegedly operating an illicit blood bank from a hair salon. The suspect, Adeje Uchenna, a 40-year-old certified lab technician, has been accused of collecting and selling unscreened blood to other lab technicians. According to the police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, Uchenna's operation targeted vulnerable youths, who were paid a paltry N5,000 for a pint of blood, only to be sold to other technicians for between N15,000 and N17,000. This brazen exploitation highlights the ease with which some individuals can engage in such illicit activities, often with devastating consequences for unsuspecting patients. The police claim that Uchenna obtained blood without conducting the necessary medical screening or testing the donors' PCV (packed cell volume) levels. This reckless behavior puts patients at risk of contracting deadly infections, including HIV. In a video posted on X, Uchenna can be seen admitting to his offense, acknowledging that the trade is indeed illegal. He even revealed his academic background, stating that he studied at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and obtained his professional license in 2011. The police have warned that such practices can have catastrophic consequences, citing Section 53 of the National Health Act, 2014, which prohibits the sale or distribution of blood tissue or blood products. The arrest of Uchenna and four other suspects, including the hairdresser whose salon was used for the illicit operation, serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in our healthcare system. It also underscores the importance of adhering to established protocols and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. As the police continue to investigate this matter, Nigerians can only hope that justice will be served and that those responsible for this heinous crime will face the full weight of the law.