The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced an interception of 53,520.80 kilograms of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of N777 million.
The impressive seizure was revealed by Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, during a media briefing in Benin City, where he presented the command’s half-year operational scorecard.
The event also served to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest In Prevention.”
Ofoyeju emphasized that the fight against illicit drugs remains a top priority for the General Marwa-led administration, expressing pride in the significant achievements over the past six months.
He stated that dedicated teams have conducted rigorous operations, leading to remarkable seizures of various narcotics and thereby enhancing the safety and well-being of Edo State residents.
During the period, the Edo Command arrested 209 suspected drug traffickers and destroyed 18 cannabis farms.
The NDLEA commander disclosed that, 24 drug offenders were convicted, and the command provided counseling and rehabilitation services to 194 and 19 clients, respectively, who were grappling with drug abuse disorders.
The intercepted drugs include 53,441.3371 kg of cannabis, 0.0216 kg of cocaine, 0.0111 kg of heroin, 1.0775 kg of methamphetamine, 78.3473 kg of psychotropic substances, and 1,915 bottles (191.5 litres) of codeine-based syrup.
Also, 2,700 ampoules of Pentazocine Injection and 19 foil plates of cannabis-laced cookies were recovered.
Ofoyeju detailed that the 209 apprehended suspects comprised 129 males and 80 females.
According to him, two suspects were arrested on Ihiama Road within the Government Reserve Area (GRA), an area known for drug peddling.
He assured the public that ongoing operations are designed to dismantle all drug joints, identify and clear illicit drug warehouses, and eradicate cannabis plantations through continuous raid operations.
A significant development highlighted by Ofoyeju was the discovery and closure of Big Jamaya Supermarket in Ekpoma, where a variety of illicit drugs were being sold.
He described the closure as a positive step, particularly given Ekpoma’s status as a university environment with a large youth population.
The arrest of a 28-year-old female, Esther Abumere, a 300-level undergraduate student of Ambrose Ali University, at the supermarket serves as a stern warning to drug barons that their disguised operations will be uncovered.
Abumere was found in possession of 31 grammes of Colorado, 763 grammes of Canadian loud (both strong synthetic variants of cannabis), and various quantities of Tramadol (125 capsules of 100 mg, 35 tablets of 200 mg, and 125 tablets of 225 mg, totaling 162 grammes).
Other drugs discovered at the supermarket included 146 tablets (56 grammes) of Swinol, 93 tablets (30 grammes) of Rohypnol, and 56 tablets (25 grammes) of Molly.
The suspect, who hails from Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area, claimed during interrogation that she ventured into drug trafficking to repay a loan from a microfinance bank.
In line with the NDLEA’s mandate to provide accessible drug abuse treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation, the Edo State command offered brief interventions to 194 clients, comprising 135 males and 59 females.
Commander Ofoyeju acknowledged the support of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in the fight against drugs in the state.
He emphasized the deep connection between narcotic drugs and criminal activities like kidnapping and cultism, asserting the command’s harmonious efforts to make Edo State an inhospitable environment for drug barons and their associates.
“These enemies of the state can run but cannot hide. We will catch them, seize their drugs, trace their illicit wealth for confiscation, and prosecute them,” Mitchell assured.
Ofoyeju urged the public to collaborate with the agency by providing credible information on drug-related activities, while commending the unwavering commitment and bravery of NDLEA personnel whose efforts have been instrumental in these achievements.
