The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced a significant crackdown on illicit drug activities in May 2025, reporting the destruction of two large cannabis farms and the arrest of 39 suspected drug traffickers.
These operations also led to the seizure of a substantial 1,303.8858 kilograms of various illicit drugs.Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, presented his first monthly operational scorecard in Benin City, highlighting the agency’s proactive efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse.
Of the 39 suspects apprehended, 18 are male and 21 are female. The two cannabis farms, spanning a combined 0.782961 hectares, were discovered in the Uzebba and Ohosu forests, located in Owan West and Ovia South East Local Government Areas, respectively.
The Uzebba forest farm measured 0.265874 hectares, while the Ohosu farm covered 0.517087 hectares.Commander Ofoyeju provided a detailed breakdown of the seized substances:
Cannabis Sativa: 1,133.337 kilograms
Psychotropic Substances: 118.4986 Kilograms
methamphetamines: 0.14103 kilogramsCocaine: 0.0024 kilograms
Codeine Cough Syrup: 65.7 litres
Pentazocine: 2,000 millilitres
A major seizure highlighted by the Commander was the interception of 74.5 bags of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,115 kilograms, at Oke community in Ohunwude Local Government Area. This significant haul was made possible by an intelligence report.
Two suspects, Isaac Israel, 33, from Abak LGA, Akwa Ibom State, and Precious Zion, 19, from Ogba LGA, Rivers State, were arrested in connection with this seizure.
In a separate incident, 18-year-old Mohammed Isah, a Nigerien national, was apprehended during a raid in the Oluku area of Benin City. He was found in unlawful possession of 4 grams of methamphetamine, 54 grams of cannabis sativa, 6 grams of Tramadol 100mg, and 28 grams of Exol-5.
Commander Ofoyeju underscored the direct link between drug trafficking and violent crimes, stating, “Drug control is germane to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s fight against kidnapping and cultism in the state.
The Edo State Command of the Agency will work assiduously in ensuring a safe and secure society for all.”
He emphasized that proactive drug control strategies would drastically minimize the negative impact of drug trafficking on local economies, investment opportunities, and the escalating costs to law enforcement and healthcare systems.
Explaining further, Ofoyeju, reiterated his mandate from the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (RTD), CON, which includes tracing and dismantling cannabis cultivating syndicates, extending the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to young adults and adolescents in schools, churches, and mosques, and engaging in targeted prevention and education campaigns to mitigate drug and substance use.
“We are launching a robust public awareness initiative to educate the community members about the perils of drug abuse and the importance of seeking early help,” Ofoyeju added.
The Commander called for immediate and coordinated efforts to combat the risks associated with drug trafficking and abuse, advocating for proactive strategies and better resource allocation to address the drug problem.
As the NDLEA continues its fight against drug trafficking in Edo State, this latest operational scorecard underscores both the challenges faced and the unwavering resolve of law enforcement in combating illicit substances.
The NDLEA boss stressed that community involvement and cooperation will be vital in winning the fight against drugs and promised to remain steadfast in the mission to eradicate drug-related criminality and protect young citizens from the devastating effects of addiction and trafficking.
