NDLEA arrests 68 suspected drug traffickers, recovers over 7,500kg narcotics in Edo

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, arrested 68 suspected drug traffickers and recovered more than 7,531kg of narcotic substances across the state in August 2026.

The Commander of the agency in Edo State, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement issued in Benin, giving an account of the command’s activities during the month.

Ofoyeju said the arrests and seizures reflected the command’s commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse across Edo State.

He disclosed that the 68 suspects comprised 34 males and 34 females, noting that the equal representation of both sexes demonstrated that drug-related problems cut across gender.

According to the statement, the substances recovered or destroyed during the period included 7,524.83kg of Cannabis sativa, comprising 1,098.177kg recovered and 6,433.33kg destroyed at cannabis farms.

The command also seized 5.3311kg of psychotropic substances, 0.0668kg of methamphetamine and 34.8 litres of codeine syrup.

Four cannabis farms were also destroyed in Orhionmwon and Owan West Local Government Areas of the state.

Ofoyeju explained that the command did not secure any conviction during the month because the Federal High Court was on vacation.

However, he said three fresh cases were filed during the period, while 87 cases remained pending before the court.

Beyond arrests and seizures, the NDLEA’s Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, CTR, and Psychological Services, PS, units provided counselling to 23 clients.

The units also trained 12 people in vocational skills, including tailoring, perfume production and liquid soap making.

The command conducted five sensitisation programmes that reached more than 2,150 participants as part of efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of illicit drug use.

Ofoyeju said the command would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to address drug-related challenges in the state.

“We will continue to collaborate with community leaders, media organisations, and law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and health of our citizens.

“We are unwavering in our commitment to flushing out drugs and apprehending those who profit from the suffering of others,” Ofoyeju said.