NDLEA destroys 73,463kg of cannabis, others in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has conducted a significant public destruction exercise in Benin City, Edo State, incinerating over 73,000 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The total value of the destroyed illicit items is estimated at N2.8 billion.

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The illicit drugs being destroyed today amount to 73,463.21 kilogrammes and are valued at N2.8bn.

Cannabis sativa accounted for the vast majority of the confiscated drugs, with 73,210.23 kilogrammes. The destruction also included substantial quantities of psychotropic drugs such as Tramadol (141.81kg), Diazepam (8.43kg), and Codeine cough syrup (61.77kg). Smaller but significant amounts of methamphetamine (2.66kg), cocaine (3.74kg), and heroin (0.22kg) were also destroyed, underscoring the diverse range of substances being trafficked.

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What we are gathered here to do transcends the physical act of burning contraband. We are, in the strongest terms, reaffirming our collective and unwavering resolve to confront, dismantle and ultimately defeat the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, represented at the event, stated that the exercise reaffirms the agency's unwavering resolve to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was the special guest of honour, described the fight against illicit drugs as a battle against criminality and social decay, warning traffickers to leave the state. The governor also pledged continued collaboration and announced plans for a rehabilitation center.

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This is not a moment for celebration alone; it is a moment for sober reflection and renewed commitment. The war on drugs is a war for the soul of our nation. It is a war against criminality, kidnapping, banditry and the devastating health consequences of substance abuse.