NIGERIA: NDLEA Arrests 26, Seizes Over 41,000kg Drugs In Edo

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, has arrested 26 suspected drug traffickers and seized 41,410.53 kilogrammes of narcotics during operations in August.

The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Friday in Benin City while presenting the monthly progress report of the command.

He said the seizures and arrests reflected the agency’s proactive approach to tackling drug trafficking and abuse in the state.

According to him, the suspects comprise 22 males and four females. Cannabis accounted for over 90 per cent of the seizures, with 41,387.36kg recovered.

Other substances seized included 22.253kg of Tramadol, 0.3085kg of Swinol, 0.0117kg of Danabol, 0.5163kg of Diazepam, 0.0811kg of Methamphetamin, 400ml of Pentazocine, and 10 litres of Codeine syrup.

Ofoyeju said operatives also destroyed four cannabis farms in Ebule Forest, Owan West Local Government Area, covering 15.8 hectares and yielding about 39,631.83kg of cannabis.

A separate operation led to the recovery of 69 bags of skunk from a three-bedroom bungalow in Uzebba, Owan West, where a 54-year-old woman was arrested.

In another raid at RCC Junction, Sapele Road, Benin City, three suspects were arrested with various quantities of illicit drugs.

While no convictions were recorded during the period due to court vacation, Ofoyeju noted that six drug-related cases were filed at the Federal High Court in Benin.

He stressed that the command remained committed to pursuing justice for offenders.

Beyond enforcement, the commander said the agency intensified drug demand reduction efforts. Thirteen clients received counselling services, while 11 others were undergoing rehabilitation.

Community sensitisation campaigns were also held in schools, churches, and youth associations, including Mesh Primary and Secondary School, Grace Baptist Church, POWA, and NNPC youth platforms.

“Our ongoing operations reflect our unwavering commitment to fighting the drug menace in the state. We remain focused not only on enforcement but also on community engagement and rehabilitation initiatives to combat drug abuse comprehensively,” Ofoyeju said.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, adding that the fight against drug trafficking required collective responsibility.