NDLEA Arrests 54 Suspected Drug Traffickers, Seizes Over 1.5 Tonnes of Narcotics in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has arrested 54 suspected drug traffickers and seized over 1,506 kilograms of various narcotics in a major operation carried out across the state in September.

Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this during a press briefing in Benin City, describing the operation as part of the agency’s intensified crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse.

According to him, the arrests included 43 men and 11 women, while six illicit cannabis farms covering 26.43 hectares were destroyed across multiple local government areas, including Ovia South-West, Owan West, Esan West, and Igueben.

Ofoyeju noted that the destroyed cannabis plantations had an estimated yield of 66,078 kilograms of skunk, adding that the seizures also included 1,502.26 kilograms of cannabis sativa and several psychotropic substances such as tramadol, nitrazepam, Swinol, Danabol (Molly), methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.

“The command remains fully committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks and protecting communities from the dangers of substance abuse,” Ofoyeju stated.

He stressed that the successful operation reflected NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and restore safety to communities across Edo State, which continues to face challenges linked to drug-related crimes.

Commander Ofoyeju reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to pursue strategic operations aimed at reducing both the supply and demand for illicit drugs in the region.