Edo NDLEA Arrests 49 Suspects, Seizes Over 2,500kg of Drugs

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported arresting 49 suspected drug traffickers in July, with a notable increase in female offenders. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander, stated that 29 of the suspects were female, while 20 were male. This shift, he suggested, may indicate the socio-economic vulnerability of women and a breakdown in traditional family stability.

During the period, the NDLEA seized a substantial 2,596.29 kilograms of illicit drugs. Cannabis constituted the largest portion, with 2,588.4 kilograms seized, alongside psychotropic substances, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. The command also intercepted two vehicles used in transporting cannabis and discovered three warehouses containing drugs, two in Benin City and one at Illushi. Additionally, 15.3 liters of codeine cough syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide were confiscated.

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This month three warehouses were detected, two in Benin City and one at Illushi. 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.

In a significant operation, the command destroyed a cannabis farm measuring 0.640903 hectares in the Egbisi Forest of Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area. The farm was estimated to yield approximately 1,602.26 kilograms of cannabis. The NDLEA secured convictions in four drug cases during the month.

Separately, 73 newly promoted NDLEA personnel were decorated. Ofoyeju stressed that promotions are not automatic but are earned through hard work, sacrifice, loyalty, and commitment. He urged the promoted officers to embrace their new ranks as a call to higher service, acknowledging that increased responsibility and public scrutiny accompany their advancement.

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This new rank comes with greater responsibility, higher expectations, and increased scrutiny. Kindly note three things as you rise to your new rank. Your new rank is a call to higher service. The public is watching. The traffickers will test you more. The command expects your momentum to increase.