NDLEA seizes illicit drugs, arrests 42 suspects

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, has intercepted 4,905.36 kg of illicit drugs in the month of June.

Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed in a statement on Tuesday, said 42 suspected drug traffickers were arrested while three cannabis farms were also destroyed.

He said the 42 suspected drug traffickers comprised 24 males and 18 females and they were arrested during intelligence-led operations across the state.

Ofoyeju described the month of June as significant because the Agency intensified drug control efforts with several activities commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

He said, “A total of 4,905.36kg of assorted drugs was seized, including 4,169.02 kg of cannabis destroyed in plantations and 736.34 kg of drugs intercepted within the State. They include Cannabis sativa, methamphetamine, and various psychotropic substances such as Swinol, diazepam, and Rohypnol. Additionally, 54.2 litres of codeine syrups were also recovered.

“In a major blow to illicit cannabis cultivation, the Command destroyed three cannabis plantations. On June 17, 2026, officers raided Ikao Forest in Owan East Local Government Area, where two farms measuring 0.69763 hectares were identified and destroyed. One suspect, Patrick Imoukhede, a 45-year-old male, was arrested at the scene, and 169 kg of processed cannabis was recovered.

“Similarly, acting on intelligence, operatives raided Ebora Camp in Ilushi, Esan South LGA, where a cannabis plantation measuring 0.969978 hectares was discovered and destroyed. The farm had an estimated yield of 2,424.945 kg.

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“During a separate operation in the same camp, 45-year-old Austine Anyamone was apprehended with 395 kg of skunk cannabis. In total, the three farms measured 1.667608 hectares with an estimated yield of 4,169.02 kg.

“In another operation, drug cartels abandoned illicit pharmaceuticals in Uromi and fled to avoid arrest. A search operation there led to the recovery of 540 bottles of codeine cough syrup, 11,100 capsules of tramadol (4.44 kg), 2,500 tablets of Swinol, and 100 ampules of Pentazocine injection.

On the prosecution front, Ofoyeju said that the Command secured 10 convictions during the month, with three new cases charged to court. He noted that about 79 cases were currently pending before the Federal High Court in Benin City.

He said the command also prioritised drug demand reduction, counselling 19 clients, 15 males and four females, who were released to their families, adding that seven clients are currently undergoing rehabilitation. He added that six sensitization programmes were conducted to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse.

Despite these achievements, the commander noted that emerging threats, including cases of kidnapping and cultism in Oredo, Etsako West, and Akoko-Edo Local Government Areas, were often linked to drug-related activities.

“We urge members of the public to continue supporting our efforts by providing timely information on drug-related activities. The Command will continue to work hard in dismantling drug trafficking cartels in the state,” Ofoyeju stated.