The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday, December 4, 2025, disclosed to newsmen in Benin City that it successfully apprehended 44 suspected drug traffickers with 2,059.83 kg of illicit drugs in the month of November 2025.
The Edo State Commander of the Agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, noted while presenting the operational scorecard that the command intensified intelligence-led operations aimed at ensuring a peaceful and secure yuletide season in the state.
According to him, those apprehended include 21 males and 23 females. Commander Mitchell, who said that operations within the month under review have dealt significant blows to drug cartels, also expressed worries over the rising number of females in drug trafficking, adding it was a negative development considering the strategic role of women in nation building.
A total of 2,059.83kg of drug exhibits were seized, consisting of 2,058.79 KG of Cannabis, 0.3167 kg tramadol 0.3197 kg Methamphetamine, 0.0463 kg, Heroin, 0.0039 kg, Cocaine 0.008 kg, Codeine based syrup 0.6 litre, Flunitrazepam 0.0032 kg, Diazepam 0.0446 kg, Swinol 0.0082 kg, Danabol (Molly) 0.61 kg. One cannabis farm measuring 0.583898 hectares with an estimated yield of 1,459.745 kg was discovered and destroyed at Igbeshi Forest Imiakebo, Etsako West, Edo State.
Commander Mitchell issued a stern warning to drug trafficking cartels operating within the state to immediately cease their criminal activities or face severe consequences. He highlighted the unwavering commitment of the NDLEA to dismantle drug trafficking networks and ensure a drug-free Edo State.
“Our operations during the month under review have dealt significant blows to drug cartels. Forty-four suspects, both male and female, have been arrested, and substantial quantities of drugs weighing 2,059.83 kg were seized. This sends a clear message to those involved in the drug trade to either desist now or face the full might of the law,” he declared.
He further revealed that seventeen convictions were secured in the month under review, with 126 cases still pending prosecution at the Federal High Court in Benin City. Additionally, the agency’s drug demand reduction unit has counselled twenty-one clients and continues its rehabilitation and sensitisation efforts to curb drug and substance abuse in the state.
Commander Ofoyeju also acknowledged the challenges posed by difficult terrain used for cannabis cultivation, emphasising the need for improved logistical support to penetrate dense forests and eradicate illicit plantations effectively. While pledging the determination of the command’s mission to protect society from the menace of drug trafficking and abuse, he appealed to members of the public to provide credible information on drug-related activities in their locality for immediate action.
