The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a large quantity of illicit drugs hidden in a warehouse in Benin City, the state capital.
Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, said that the drugs were detected at a residential building along Sapele Road, Benin City, where the main targets, a husband and wife, were apprehended.
Commander Ofoyeju said that the discovery highlights a growing concern regarding drug trafficking and illegal drug distribution in the state.
“We arrested a husband and wife, Christian Chukwuka, 32 years old, and Nwanneka Christian, 33 years old, at the illicit warehouse where they deal in narcotic drugs. The arrest and seizure are a reflection of growing concern over drug trafficking and abuse. Both suspects who hail from Ndokwa in Delta State were caught at the warehouse,” Ofoyeju stated.
The successful operation was carried out following credible intelligence received on the notorious criminal activities by the above suspected couple. NDLEA officers raided the illicit storage facility where they seized twenty-two bags of skunk cannabis weighing 219.5 kilograms and compressed blocks of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of synthetic cannabis weighing 192.67 kilograms.
One of the suspects, Christian Chukwuka, in his statement, claimed that poverty and joblessness pushed him into the criminal act. “I am a secondary school graduate, and I learnt how to drive trucks, but because of joblessness, a friend introduced me to drug trafficking. My wife has a set of twins for me, and the pressure of financial upkeep has been a challenge. If given another chance, I promise not to deal in drugs again,” Christian pleaded.
The NDLEA Edo State Commander, Ofoyeju, confirmed that investigations into the case are underway and that the suspects will soon face charges in court. “Our efforts to combat drug trafficking remain unwavering. We will thoroughly investigate this case and ensure that justice is served,” Ofoyeju stated.
The NDLEA said the seizure is one of the most significant drug busts in the state, raising public awareness of the growing drug problem. It pledged its committed to eradicating illegal drug operations and ensuring the safety and well-being of every community in the state.
