The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its offensive against drug trafficking and abuse, arresting 37 individuals in June, including 12 women.
The agency also intercepted a significant quantity of narcotic substances during various operations across the state. Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju disclosed these developments while addressing the press on the agency’s activities for the month.
According to Ofoyeju, the crackdown led to the seizure of a total of 345.421 kilograms of narcotic drugs. “These arrests and seizures form part of a strategic effort to dismantle drug trafficking networks and respond to rising concerns about substance abuse within Edo communities,” he said. He emphasized the importance of sustained enforcement in combating illicit drug trade in the region.
A breakdown of the confiscated substances showed that 310.485 kg of cannabis was seized along with 0.3415 kg of psychotropic drugs and 0.3175 kg of methamphetamine. Additional abandoned drugs included 33.226 kg of cannabis sativa, 0.67 kg of psychotropic substances, 0.373 kg of methamphetamine, five litres of codeine syrup, and a small quantity of cocaine weighing 0.004 kg.
In a bid to further weaken the supply chain, the agency destroyed two large cannabis farms located in Okhuse Forest and Ugbada Uzebba Forest, both in Owan West Local Government Area. The farms, covering over 7.2 hectares, were expected to yield approximately 18,184 kilograms of cannabis before they were razed.
On the legal front, the command initiated 11 new court cases in June, securing five convictions. The prosecution unit continues to push forward with 107 drug-related cases currently pending at the Federal High Court in Benin City, a sign of the agency’s resolve to ensure traffickers face justice.
In addition to enforcement, the NDLEA emphasized rehabilitation and public education through its Drug Demand Reduction Unit. The unit counselled 32 individuals battling substance abuse—18 men and 14 women—and carried out several awareness campaigns in various organizations to curb drug use from the grassroots.
Commander Ofoyeju reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to eradicating drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State.
He stressed that continued vigilance, legal action, and community partnerships are central to the NDLEA’s mission, adding, “Our focus remains on dismantling cartels and strengthening public resilience through education and engagement.”
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