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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

NDLEA arrests couple over drug warehouse in Edo

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • The NDLEA arrested a couple in Edo State for allegedly operating a drug warehouse containing significant quantities of illicit substances.
  • Operatives seized 219.5 kg of skunk and 192.67 kg of potent synthetic cannabis from the residential area warehouse.
  • One suspect cited poverty and unemployment as reasons for his involvement, expressing a desire for a second chance.

Authorities in Edo State have arrested a couple accused of running a drug warehouse in Benin City, a significant bust by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, announced the arrest, stating that the warehouse, located in a residential area along Sapele Road, was raided based on credible intelligence. The main suspects, identified as Christian Chukwuka, 32, and Nwanneka Christian, 33, were apprehended at the scene.

We arrested a husband and wife, Christian Chukwuka, 32, and Nwanneka Christian, 33, at the illicit warehouse where they deal in narcotic drugs.

— Mitchell OfoyejuAnnouncing the arrest of the couple involved in drug dealing.

During the operation, NDLEA operatives seized a substantial quantity of illicit drugs. Recovered items included 22 bags of skunk, weighing 219.5 kilograms, and compressed blocks of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of synthetic cannabis, weighing 192.67 kilograms. This seizure is considered one of the most significant drug busts in the state.

The drugs were detected in a warehouse located in a residential area along Sapele Road, Benin City. The discovery highlights growing concern over drug trafficking and illegal drug distribution in the state.

— Mitchell OfoyejuDetailing the location of the warehouse and the significance of the discovery.

Christian Chukwuka, one of the suspects, attributed his involvement in drug trafficking to poverty and unemployment. He stated that a friend introduced him to the trade due to joblessness and the pressure of providing for his family. He expressed remorse and a desire for another chance to avoid dealing in drugs.

The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling illegal drug operations and safeguarding communities. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to be charged in court soon. The agency emphasized its unwavering efforts to combat drug trafficking.

I am a secondary school graduate, and I learnt how to drive trucks, but because of joblessness, a friend introduced me to drug trafficking. My wife has a set of twins for me, and the pressure of financial upkeep has been a challenge. If given another chance, I promise not to deal in drugs again.

— Christian ChukwukaExplaining his reasons for engaging in drug trafficking and expressing regret.
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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