The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, says it has arrested 26 suspected drug traffickers and seized about 41,410 kilogrammes of narcotics in its intensified operations across the state.
The State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Friday in Benin City while presenting the monthly progress report of the command.
According to him, “The achievements were remarkable and underscored our proactive approach towards curbing drug-related crimes in Edo. The 26 persons apprehended comprise 22 males and four females. Cannabis alone accounted for over 90 per cent of the seized drugs, with 41,387.36kg.”
Ofoyeju added that other recovered substances included 22.253kg of Tramadol, 0.3085kg of Swinol, 0.0117kg of Danabol, 0.5163kg of Diazepam, 0.0811kg of Methamphetamine, 400ml of Pentazocine, and 10 litres of Codeine syrup.
He explained that operatives also destroyed four plantations of suspected cannabis farms in Ebule Forest, Owan West Local Government Area, covering 15.8 hectares and yielding about 39,631.83kg of cannabis. In a separate operation, 69 bags of skunk were recovered from a three-bedroom bungalow in Uzebba, leading to the arrest of a 54-year-old woman.
Similarly, NDLEA operatives raided a notorious drug hub at RCC Junction, Sapele Road, Benin City, where three suspects were arrested with illicit substances of various sizes.
Although no convictions were recorded within the period due to the court vacation, Ofoyeju confirmed that six cases had already been filed at the Federal High Court in Benin. He stressed that the command remained committed to pursuing justice for drug-related offences.
Beyond enforcement, the commander said the agency intensified drug demand reduction efforts, revealing that 13 clients received counselling while 11 others were undergoing rehabilitation. Community sensitisation programmes were also held in schools, churches, and youth associations, including Mesh Primary and Secondary School, Grace Baptist Church, POWA, and NNPC youth groups.
“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 stated.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that the fight against drug trafficking required collective responsibility.
