Edo NDLEA arrested 44 suspects in November – Official

The NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju. Credit: NDLEA

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The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it arrested 44 suspected drug traffickers and seized 2,059.83kg of illicit drugs in the month of November.

The Edo State Commander of the Agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said in a statement on Thursday that those apprehended include 21 males and 23 females.

He warned drug trafficking cartels operating in the state to immediately cease their activities 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.”

According to him, the seized drugs consist of 2,058.79 kg of cannabis; 0.3167 kg of tramadol; 0.3197 kg of methamphetamine; 0.0463 kg of heroin; 0.0039 kg of cocaine; 0.008 kg of codeine-based syrup; 0.6 litres of flunitrazepam; 0.0032 kg of diazepam; 0.0446 kg of swinol; and 0.0082 kg of danabol (molly).

He added that one cannabis farm measuring 0.583898 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,459.745 kg, was discovered and destroyed at Igbeshi Forest, Imiakebo, in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

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

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

Ofoyeju reiterated the NDLEA’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and ensuring a drug-free Edo State.

“Our operations send a clear message to those involved in the drug trade: desist now or face the full might of the law”, he warned.

He disclosed that 17 convictions were secured in November, while 126 cases are still pending before the Federal High Court in Benin City.

He further revealed that the agency’s drug demand reduction unit counselled 21 clients during the period and would continue its rehabilitation and sensitisation efforts to curb drug abuse in the state.

The commander also acknowledged the challenges posed by difficult terrains used for cannabis cultivation, calling for improved logistical support to penetrate dense forests and eradicate illicit plantations.

While pledging the command’s determination to protect society from drug trafficking and abuse, he appealed to members of the public to provide credible information on drug-related activities in their communities.

Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Edo NDLEA command secured 17 convictions, totalling 84 years of imprisonment, for various drug-related offences in November, with an option of N27.25m in fines.

The offences included unlawful possession, dealing and cultivation of controlled substances such as cannabis sativa, methamphetamine, cocaine, tramadol, diazepam, danabol and swinol tablets.

Edo State remains a hotspot for drug cultivation and trafficking, and the NDLEA, in collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders, has continued to intensify efforts to tackle the menace.

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