The Edo State Government has arrested seven people, including a breastfeeding mother, during a coordinated anti-drug operation carried out across Uromi, Ubiaja and Auchi.
The suspects made up of three men and four women were paraded in Benin City by the Edo State Taskforce after the operation which took place on November 26.
The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, said the raid followed credible intelligence that identified several drug hubs operating in Edo Central and Edo North.
He noted that various quantities of illicit substances were recovered from the suspects.
According to him, “Our youths are increasingly being lured into drug abuse, which fuels deviant behaviour and criminal activities. These raids were conducted in Esan North-East, Esan South-East and Etsako West, where seven persons were arrested, including a breastfeeding mother.”
Ebea explained that all evidence gathered linked the suspects to the sale and distribution of harmful drugs that have contributed to growing antisocial behaviour in the state.
He added that the government is determined to dismantle the networks pushing narcotics into communities.
He said the suspects would be profiled and handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution. “This operation will be sustained. It is not a one-off effort. The Edo State Government will continue to smoke out drug dealers and criminals wherever they hide to ensure a peaceful and safe society,” he stated.
Ebea also reaffirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive to step up the fight against drug abuse and make the state drug-free.
“The impact of this task force will be far-reaching. We will take the fight to the doorsteps of both sellers and consumers,” he added.
Chairman of the state taskforce, CSP Michael Anetor, thanked the Commissioner for his support and restated his team’s readiness to rid communities of drug-related crime.
He warned those involved in the trade to withdraw before the law catches up with them.
The Edo State Government said the crackdown will continue until all communities are safe and free from the influence of illicit drugs.
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