NDLEA arrests 44 suspects over drugs, seizes over 2,059kg of illicit substances in Edo

The Edo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said its personnel has arrested 44 suspected traffickers and seized 2,059.83kg of illicit drugs in November.

Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, the agency’s State Commander, who stated this at a press briefing on Thursday in Benin. said the command’s heightened intelligence-driven operations were strategically executed to ensure a peaceful and secure yuletide season across the state.

He said the arrested suspects include 21 males and 23 females, adding that the agency was worried at alarming rate at which youths got involved in drugs, especially women.

“This is a negative development considering the strategic role of women in nation-building,” he cautioned.

He said the command’s haul for November included 2,058.79kg of cannabis, alongside tramadol, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, codeine-based syrup, flunitrazepam, diazepam, swinol, and danabol (Molly).

The NDLEA boss said the agency also uncovered and destroyed a 0.58-hectare cannabis farm in Igbeshi Forest, Imiakebo, Etsako West, estimated to yield 1,459.745 kg of cannabis.

“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 said.

The commander disclosed that the command secured 17 convictions in November, with 126 cases currently pending at the Federal High Court, Benin.

On the rehabilitation front, he said the agency counselled 21 clients as part of its drug demand reduction efforts while highlighting operational challenges, particularly difficult terrain used for cannabis cultivation, Ofoyeju emphasised the need for enhanced logistics to access and eradicate remote plantations.

He, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting the public from the dangers of drug trafficking and substance abuse.