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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

NDLEA arrests 48 traffickers in Edo, recovers 541.47kg of drugs

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State, Nigeria, arrested 48 suspected drug traffickers in May.
  • The agency seized a total of 541.47 kilograms of narcotic drugs, primarily cannabis sativa.
  • NDLEA also reported three court convictions, five new cases filed, and ongoing rehabilitation efforts for drug users.

The Edo State Command of Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported a significant crackdown on drug trafficking in May, arresting 48 individuals suspected of involvement in illicit drug trade. The agency also successfully seized a substantial quantity of narcotic drugs, totaling 541.47 kilograms, as part of its ongoing campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.

The arrests comprised 25 males and 22 females nabbed during intelligence-led operations at various drug flashpoints across the state.

— Edo State NDLEA CommanderDetailing the demographics and operational methods of the arrests made in May.

The arrests, comprising 25 males and 22 females, were made during intelligence-led operations conducted at various drug hotspots across the state. Cannabis sativa constituted the largest portion of the seized substances, with 540.6253 kg. Additionally, the agency confiscated 0.2701 kg of psychotropic substances, including tramadol, Swinol, and diazepam, along with 0.1415 kg of methamphetamine and 1.4 liters of codeine syrup.

The NDLEA, Edo State Command, has arrested 48 suspected drug traffickers in the month of May.

— Edo State NDLEA CommanderAnnouncing the total number of arrests made during the month.

Beyond arrests and seizures, the NDLEA's Edo State Command has been active in the legal and rehabilitation spheres. The command's legal unit secured three convictions in court during May, initiated five new cases, and has 94 pending cases at the Federal High Court in Benin City. Notable seizures included a 27.3kg bag of cannabis sativa from Lucky Omen and significant quantities of various substances from other individuals like Joseph Osin, Prince Aniete, and Esther Okes.

In a similar operation, officers raided drug hotspots within Auchi town, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

— Article textDescribing a specific raid operation within Edo State.

In its demand reduction efforts, the command counseled 31 clients, 24 males and seven females, who have since been released to their families. Eight other individuals are currently undergoing rehabilitation. The unit also conducted five sensitization programs, including one focused on "Drug Abuse Among Youth: Causes, Effects and Preventive Measures." The NDLEA commander commended the officers' vigilance and stated that these operations send a clear message that Edo State is not a safe haven for illegal drug trade.

These operations are a clear message to drug traffickers that Edo State is not a safe haven for their illegal trade. We will continue to intensify our raids and

— OfoyejuNDLEA official, emphasizing the command's commitment to combating drug trafficking.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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