NDLEA arrests five suspects, destroys cannabis farm in Edo

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Edo State Command, have arrested five suspected drug traffickers and destroyed a cannabis plantation during separate operations in the state.

The Edo State Commander of the agency, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this to newsmen on Monday, August 24, 2026.

Ofoyeju said a specialised team from the command’s headquarters, on August 18, raided a cannabis sativa plantation in Ukaro Forest, Owan West Local Government Area, where three male suspects were arrested.

He identified the suspects as Imohimi Ugbeje, 50; Usihoro Saturday, 27; and Bala Sunday, 23.

According to him, the operatives discovered a cannabis farm measuring about 0.496 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,240.9 kilogrammes.

He said the plantation was destroyed, while samples of cannabis plant stems and half a bag of processed cannabis weighing 5.5 kilogrammes were seized.

The NDLEA commander further disclosed that operatives, on August 19, raided an illicit drug warehouse located at Ihumudumu, Ekpoma, in Esan West Local Government Area.

He said the operation led to the recovery of 319 bottles of codeine cough syrup, 1,340 capsules of tramadol, 344 tablets of Rohypnol and 222 tablets of Danabol.

Ofoyeju said no suspect was arrested during the operation, adding that the agency was making efforts to track down the suspected owner of the drugs.

He said that on the same day, two male suspects were arrested in Benin City while allegedly in possession of “Canadian Loud,” a potent strain of synthetic cannabis.

The suspects were identified as Zege Japhet, 29, and Ifeanyi Ogashe, 43.

He said Japhet was found with 185 grammes of the substance, while Ogashe had 105 grammes, bringing the total quantity recovered from them to 290 grammes.

Ofoyeju described the operations as part of the agency’s continued efforts to curb drug trafficking and abuse in Edo State.

He assured residents that the command would sustain its campaign against drug-related crimes and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities linked to drug trafficking and substance abuse.

“With ongoing investigations and a strong resolve, the NDLEA remains dedicated to fostering a drug-free society and supporting the development of a responsible, empowered youth for a brighter future,” he added.