The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, has destroyed narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances valued at about N2.8bn in Benin City, in a renewed push against drug trafficking and abuse in the state.
The exercise, carried out on Thursday, saw the public burning of a total of 73,463.21 kilogrammes of seized illicit drugs, according to the agency.
A breakdown of the destruction showed that cannabis sativa formed the bulk of the seizures with 73,210.23 kilogrammes. Other substances destroyed included 3.74 kilogrammes of cocaine, 0.21 kilogrammes of heroin, and various psychotropic drugs.
The psychotropic substances weighed 246.36 kilogrammes in total, including tramadol at 141.81kg, diazepam at 8.43kg, codeine syrup at 61.77kg, and methamphetamine at 2.66kg.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the destruction as a demonstration of the agency’s commitment to dismantling illicit drug networks across the country.
Marwa, who was represented by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Suleiman Ahmed Ningi, said the move goes beyond burning contraband, stressing that it reflects a stronger resolve to confront drug abuse and trafficking head on.
“What we are gathered here to do transcends the physical act of burning contraband. We are, in the most powerful terms, reaffirming our collective and unshakeable resolve to confront, dismantle, and ultimately defeat the menace of drug abuse,” he said.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairperson of the State Drug Control Committee, Edesili Anani, described drug abuse as a serious threat to security and public health.
He warned drug traffickers to steer clear of the state, adding that government would intensify efforts against narcotics and establish a rehabilitation centre for users.
Senator representing Edo Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Joseph Ikpea, commended the NDLEA for its seizures, pledging legislative support to strengthen the agency’s operations.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, said officers had intercepted drugs concealed in vehicles, trucks and even shrines, noting that operatives had faced armed resistance in the course of duty.
He urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children, warning that wealth and comfort would mean little if young people fall into drug abuse.
