The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has arrested a 58-year-old grandfather, Musa Muhammed, and eight others over alleged illicit drug trafficking in the state.
The State Commander of the agency, Mitchel Ofoyeju, disclosed this to journalists in Benin, Edo State, saying the suspects, comprising five males and four females, were arrested during raids conducted at various drug trafficking hotspots across the state.
According to Ofoyeju, Muhammed was arrested with 280 grammes of Cannabis sativa, 35 grammes of Loud and 1.4 grammes of Colorado.
He identified the other suspects as Ebere Anthony, 55; Gift Oliseyenum, 31; Boniface George, 27; Muzamilu Mustapha; Faustina Peter, 27; Chucks Odili, 36; Anna Agbona, 17; and Julius Enebuli, 42.
Ofoyeju said Anthony was arrested with 1.5 kilogrammes of Cannabis sativa, while Oliseyenum was found with 74 grammes of Cannabis sativa, 45 grammes of Loud, 2.5 grammes of Colorado and 4.7 grammes of methamphetamine.
He added that George was arrested with 195 grammes of Cannabis sativa, while Mustapha was found with 40 grammes of Loud and 80 grammes of Cannabis sativa.
According to him, Peter and Odili were arrested with 35 grammes of Loud, 10 grammes of Colorado and 0.8 grammes of methamphetamine.
Ofoyeju further disclosed that Agbona, 17, was arrested with 25 grammes of Tramadol, while Enebuli was found with one kilogramme of Cannabis sativa, 65 grammes of Loud and 15 grammes of Colorado.
The NDLEA commander said the agency remained committed to tackling drug trafficking and other illicit drug-related activities in the state, assuring that investigations and prosecution of suspects would continue.
He also called for greater community involvement in the fight against illicit drugs, urging residents to report suspicious drug-related activities to law enforcement agencies.
“These arrests do not only highlight the efforts of law enforcement but also signify the increasing need for community involvement in reporting illicit activities,” Ofoyeju said.
