48 suspected drug traffickers in Edo NDLEA custody

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported a significant crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse in May, arresting 48 suspected traffickers and seizing more than 541 kilograms of illicit drugs. State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju announced that these arrests and seizures were the result of intelligence-led operations conducted across various drug hotspots within the state.

The seized drugs included a substantial amount of Cannabis sativa, totaling 540.6253 kilograms. Other substances confiscated comprised 0.2701 kilograms of psychotropic drugs such as tramadol, Swinol, and diazepam, 0.1415 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 1.4 liters of codeine syrup. The arrested suspects included 25 males and 23 females.

Ofoyeju highlighted several key seizures, including a suspect named Lucky Omen found with 27.3 kilograms of cannabis. Joseph Osin was apprehended with 743 grams of cannabis, and Prince Aniete was found with 373 grams of 'loud' cannabis, 11 grams of tramadol, and three grams of Swinol. Esther Okes was in possession of 194 grams of cannabis.

In addition to arrests and seizures, the NDLEA's legal unit achieved three convictions during May, with five new cases filed in court. A total of 94 drug-related cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court in Benin City. The command also engaged in drug demand reduction efforts, counseling 31 clients and organizing five drug abuse sensitization programs, including one focused on youth education.

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The NDLEA Edo State Command arrested 48 suspected drug traffickers in May. The arrests comprised 25 males and 23 females nabbed during intelligence-led operations at various drug flashpoints across the state.