The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in a concerted effort to combat drug trafficking and abuse, has destroyed 66,078.57kg of skunk cannabis, while 54 suspected drug traffickers were apprehended with 1,506.57kg of various narcotic drugs in the month of September.
Edo State commander of the anti-narcotic Agency, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, while presenting the operational scorecard of the command in Benin City, said that the command recorded significant successes in its September operations.
“Our intelligence-led operations led to the significant arrest of fifty-four (54) suspected drug traffickers, comprising forty-three (43) males and eleven (11) females. In a proactive measure to curb cannabis cultivation, six illicit plantations spanning over 26.43 hectares were destroyed. They were located at Ugbogui Forest, Ovia South West LGA; Ataroro Forest, Owan West LGA; Urohi Forest, Esan West LGA; and Ogu Forest, Iguiben LGA, of Edo State with an estimated yield of 66,078.5715 kg of skunk cannabis. The command also intercepted 1,506.57kg of illicit drugs,” Mitchell stated while emphasising the command’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating within the state.
The breakdown of the seized drugs is as follows: Cannabis Sativa 1,502. 26 Kg, psychotropic substances 4.27kg including tramadol 3.964kg, nitrazepam 0.087kg, Swinol 0.0445kg, Danabol (Molly) 0.1163kg, methamphetamine 0.0184 Kg, cocaine 0.028 Kg and heroin 0.014kg.
Some of the interesting cases include the interception of a truck along Wareke-Auchi Road, conveying eighty-two (82) bags of cannabis concealed in bags of charcoal with a total weight of one thousand and twenty-five kilograms (1,025kg). Two suspects, Kabiru Abdulahi, 35 years old, male, from Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara, and Anas Safiyanu, 20 years old, male, from Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have been apprehended in connection with the drug seizure.
In another raid operation at a drug flashpoint along Wire Road, Benin City, one suspected male drug trafficker, Etiosa Bazuaye, 43 years old from Uhumwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, was apprehended with ninety-eight pinches of crack cocaine weighing 13 grams hidden in a wooden stool.
As a result of the annual court vacation, one conviction was secured in drug-related cases, while four additional cases have been charged and 118 cases are ongoing at the Federal High Court in Benin City. The command reported counselling services provided to thirty-two individuals, including rehabilitation support for ten clients. Community engagement initiatives were also carried out, such as sensitisation programmes at various market locations and schools across the state. Notably, anti-drug campaigns reached the Nigerian Correctional Service and local secondary schools, aiming to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse.
However, the command faces challenges, particularly with the difficult terrain of cannabis cultivation requiring stronger operational vehicles to effectively navigate the forests. Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju expressed determination in the command’s campaign against drug trafficking, reiterating the importance of strategic operations in safeguarding communities and reducing drug demand.
As Edo State continues to grapple with the pressing issues of drug trafficking and abuse, the recent successes signify a critical step toward reclaiming the safety and health of its citizens.
