Nigeria destroys N2.8 billion worth of seized drugs in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State, Nigeria, conducted a significant public destruction of seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances valued at approximately ₦2.8 billion. The exercise, held in Benin City, saw the incineration of over 73,000 kilograms of illicit substances.

Cannabis sativa constituted the largest portion of the destroyed drugs, with 73,210.23 kilograms. The total seizure also included 246.36 kilograms of various psychotropic substances, such as Tramadol, Diazepam, and Codeine syrup, alongside smaller quantities of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Heroin. This large-scale destruction underscores the scale of drug trafficking challenges in the region.

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

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, represented at the event, stated that the destruction is a powerful reaffirmation of the agency's resolve to combat drug abuse and dismantle illicit drug networks. He expressed gratitude to the Edo State Government for its support, including land allocation for a new command headquarters.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, represented by Edesili Anani, warned drug traffickers to stay out of the state, acknowledging drug abuse as a major threat to security and public health. He pledged government support for anti-narcotics efforts and plans for a rehabilitation center. Senator Joseph Ikpea also commended the NDLEA and pledged legislative backing for the agency's operations.

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Drug abuse is a major threat to security and public health.