Edo: NDLEA nabs 49 suspects, seizes 2,596.29kg of illicit drugs in July

No fewer than 49 suspected drug traffickers were arrested by the Edo State Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in July 2026.

NDLEA Commandant in Edo State, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Thursday in Benin City during the decoration of 73 operatives promoted to new ranks.

Ofoyeju said the arrested suspects include 29 females and 20 males.

He expressed concern over the high number of females involved in drug-related crimes, noting that it highlighted a shift in the socio-economic vulnerability of women and a breakdown of traditional family stability.

He said in the period under review, three  warehouses were detected and raided in the state.

He said two of the warehouses were in Benin City and one at Illushi, while two vehicles, a Toyota Sienna with registration number Ondo NND 975 AG and a Toyota Camry with registration number Edo BEN 503 BK used in transporting cannabis were equally intercepted.

The NDLEA commandant said, “Cannabis led the seizure list with 2,588.4 kilograms, psychotropic substances 6.13 kilograms, cocaine 0.071 kg, heroin 0.005 kg, and methamphetamine 1.68 kg.

“Additionally, the command seized 15.3 litres of codeine cough syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. These assorted narcotics underscored the varied nature of substances being trafficked and abused within the state.”

Ofoyeju added that in a move to eradicate drug production, the command destroyed one cannabis farm located in the Egbisi forest of Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

He posited that the destruction represented a crucial victory in the NDLEA’s mission to dismantle drug production operations within Edo State.

“The command’s efforts have not gone without recognition, as it successfully secured convictions in four notable drug cases during the month.

“Additionally, in its commitment to addressing drug abuse, 24 individuals with drug use problems were counselled and reunited with family members”, he added.

Ofoyeju stated that the conviction of suspects and counselling illustrated the agency’s holistic approach towards combating drug-related issues within the community.