NDLEA arrests 44 drug suspects in Edo

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa. Credit: NDLEA

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The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Thursday said it arrested 44 suspected drug traffickers with 2,059.83 kg of illicit drugs in November.

The Edo State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said in a statement that those apprehended comprised 21 males and 23 females. He warned drug trafficking cartels operating in the state to desist immediately or face severe consequences.

He said, “The Edo State Command of the NDLEA has arrested 44 suspected drug traffickers with 2,059.83 kg of illicit drugs in the month of November.

“The drugs seized consist of 2,058.79 kg of cannabis, 0.3167 kg tramadol, 0.3197 kg methamphetamine, 0.0463 kg heroin, 0.0039 kg cocaine, 0.008 kg codeine-based syrup (0.6 litre), flunitrazepam 0.0032 kg, diazepam 0.0446 kg, swinol 0.0082 kg and danabol (molly) 0.61 kg.

“One cannabis farm measuring 0.583898 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,459.745 kg, was discovered and destroyed at Igbeshi Forest, Imiakebo, Etsako West, in the state.”

Presenting the operational scorecard, Ofoyeju said the command intensified intelligence-led operations to ensure a peaceful and secure yuletide season in the state.

He expressed concern over the rising involvement of women in drug trafficking, describing it as a worrying trend given the strategic role of women in nation-building.

He highlighted the NDLEA’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and ensuring a drug-free Edo State, adding, “Our operations send a clear message to those involved in the drug trade to either desist now or face the full might of the law.”

Ofoyeju said 17 convictions were secured in November, while 126 cases remain pending at the Federal High Court in Benin City.

He added that the agency’s Drug Demand Reduction Unit counselled 21 clients during the period and would continue its rehabilitation and sensitisation efforts to curb substance abuse in the state.

The commander also acknowledged the challenges posed by the difficult terrain used for cannabis cultivation, stressing the need for improved logistical support to access dense forest locations and eradicate illicit plantations.

While pledging the command’s determination to protect society from drug trafficking and abuse, he appealed to residents to provide credible information on drug activities in their areas.

PUNCH Metro earlier reported that the Edo NDLEA command secured the conviction of 17 suspects to a total of 84 years’ imprisonment for various drug offences in November, with an option of N27.25m fine.

The convicts were charged with unlawful possession, dealing, and cultivation of controlled substances, including cannabis sativa, methamphetamine, cocaine, tramadol, diazepam, danabol, and swinol tablets.

Edo State remains a major hub for drug cultivation and sale in Nigeria, and the NDLEA, working with the state government and other stakeholders, continues to intensify efforts to combat the scourge.

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