NDLEA arrests 68 suspects, seizes 7,500kg of drugs in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, has arrested 68 suspected drug traffickers and seized 7,531.51kg of narcotic drugs in August 2026.

The Commander of the Edo State NDLEA Command, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday.

He described the command’s August scorecard as a reflection of its unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and substance abuse in the state.

He noted that several intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of 68 suspected drug traffickers, comprising 34 males and 34 females.

“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, has arrested 68 (34 male and 34 female) suspected drug traffickers with 7,531.51kg of narcotic drugs in the month of August 2026.

“The gender balance further authenticated the fact that substance use has no respect for sex. Additionally, a staggering total of 7,531.51 kilogrammes of illicit drugs was seized and removed from circulation, marking a significant blow to drug distribution networks across the state.

“The breakdown of the seizures includes 7,524.83kg of Cannabis sativa, including 1,098.177kg seized, as well as 6,433.33kg of cannabis destroyed in plantations. Others are 5.3311kg of psychotropic substances, 0.0668kg of methamphetamine and 34.8 litres of codeine syrup,” the state commander noted.

Ofoyeju expressed the command’s resolve to intensify its efforts to combat drug trafficking in Edo State.

“We are unwavering in our commitment to tackling the drug problem in Edo State. Our recent operations showcase our dedication to flushing out drugs from our communities and apprehending those who wish to profit from the suffering of others.

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

Also, in a concerted effort to tackle drug cultivation, Ofoyeju said enforcement officers identified and destroyed four cannabis farms across the state.

According to him, the first farm, located at Igbanke Forest, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, measured 0.699702 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,749.255kg.

He said the second farm, also at Igbanke Forest, Orhionmwon LGA, measured 1.15188 hectares, with an estimated yield of 2,879.7kg, while the third farm, at Ukaro Forest in Owan West LGA, measured 0.496383 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,240.9575kg.

He said the fourth farm, at Ewe Forest, Owan West LGA, measured 0.225366 hectares, with an estimated yield of 563.415kg.

Ofoyeju said the total size of the farms was 2.573331 hectares, with an estimated yield of 6,433.33kg of cannabis destroyed, further demonstrating the command’s proactive stance against drug production.

He said there were no convictions because the Federal High Court was on vacation, but three new cases were charged, while 87 others were pending.

He said the command had broadened its community outreach initiatives, adding that its Counselling and Treatment Rehabilitation Unit and Prevention Sensitisation Unit had been actively engaged in addressing the social repercussions of substance abuse.

According to him, the units provided counselling to 23 clients and enrolled 12 individuals in vocational training programmes, including tailoring, perfume-making and liquid soap production.

As part of its commitment to prevention and education, the command conducted five sensitisation programmes attended by more than 2,150 male and female participants.