NDLEA Destroys Cannabis Farms, Seizes 345kg of Drugs, Arrests 37 Suspects in Edo
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of 37 suspects and the seizure of 345.421 kilogrammes of illicit drugs in the month of June, as part of its intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking and abuse.
The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday in Benin City while reviewing the agency’s monthly operational performance.
“In June, our operatives arrested 37 suspects, including 25 males and 12 females, as part of our ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates and address substance abuse within communities across Edo State,” Ofoyeju stated.
Breakdown of Drug Seizures
According to the commander, the total quantity of drugs seized includes:
310.485kg of cannabis
0.3415kg of psychotropic substances
0.3175kg of methamphetamine
Additional seizures, believed to have been abandoned by fleeing suspects, included:
33.226kg of cannabis sativa
0.67kg of psychotropic substances
0.373kg of methamphetamine
5 litres of codeine syrup
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0.004kg of cocaine
Illegal Cannabis Farms Destroyed
Ofoyeju further revealed that NDLEA operatives carried out a large-scale destruction of illegal cannabis plantations spanning 7.27 hectares. The farms, located in Okhuse Forest and Ugbada Uzebba Forest in Owan West Local Government Area, were estimated to yield over 18,184.71kg of cannabis.
“This operation forms part of our strategy to disrupt cannabis cultivation and the supply chain of illicit drugs at the source,” he said.
Prosecutions and Community Outreach
During the same period, the command’s prosecution unit filed 11 cases in court and secured five convictions, while 107 drug-related cases are currently pending at the Federal High Court in Benin.
In its drug demand reduction efforts, the agency provided counselling to 32 clients—18 males and 14 females—through its Drug Demand Reduction Unit. The unit also conducted sensitization campaigns in partnership with various organizations across the state.
Commander Ofoyeju reaffirmed NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to eliminating drug trafficking and consumption through proactive enforcement and strategic community engagement.
By PRNigeria
