Health and Wellness

NDLEA Seizes N777m Worth of Drugs in Edo, Arrests University Student Over Trafficking

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the seizure of illicit drugs valued at N777 million over the past six months. The announcement was made by the State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, during a press briefing ahead of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

According to Ofoyeju, a total of 209 suspects were arrested in connection with drug trafficking and abuse within the period under review. These include 129 male and 80 female suspects, one of whom is a 300-level female student of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. The student, who is from Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area, reportedly told investigators that she turned to drug trafficking to repay a loan she had obtained from a microfinance bank.

“Her arrest is a strong warning to drug barons that, notwithstanding the disguise, they will be smoked out,” Ofoyeju warned, emphasizing that no one is above the law when it comes to drug-related crimes.

He disclosed that the command seized a total of 2,538.25 kg of cannabis and destroyed 20.43 hectares of cannabis farms, equivalent to 51,082.55 kg. Altogether, 53,441.34 kg of cannabis was removed from circulation. In addition, the agency confiscated other illicit substances including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, psychotropic drugs, codeine-based syrup, 2.7 ampoules of Pentazocine Injection, and 19 foil plates of cannabis-laced cookies.

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The Edo State NDLEA also reported progress in its legal actions, having secured 24 convictions, consisting of 20 males and 4 females. Meanwhile, 110 other drug-related cases are currently pending in various courts across the state. This, according to the commander, highlights the agency’s relentless pursuit of justice and its firm stance against drug crime.

As part of its commitment to rehabilitation, the command extended counselling and brief intervention services to 194 individuals, including 135 males and 59 females, while 19 males completed full rehabilitation programmes. This initiative aligns with the NDLEA’s mandate to support recovery for individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Ofoyeju also acknowledged the support of Senator Monday Okpebholo, noting that the senator’s appointment of a Senior Special Assistant on Drug Policy and various people-centred initiatives are critical steps in the fight against drug misuse in the state.

He further explained that crimes like kidnapping and cultism are often tied to drug use, and the agency is working tirelessly to dismantle the networks behind such vices. “These enemies of the state can run but cannot hide,” he said. “We will catch them, seize their drugs, trace their illicit wealth for confiscation, and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

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Calling on the public to support the agency’s efforts, Ofoyeju urged citizens to provide credible information on drug trafficking and abuse. He stressed the importance of community collaboration in the battle against drugs, noting that only a united front can help build a safer and healthier Edo State.

He also expressed gratitude to stakeholders and the media for their continuous support in raising public awareness. “Your support for public enlightenment in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse is highly commendable and worthy of emulation,” Ofoyeju concluded.

The NDLEA’s efforts in Edo reflect a broader national campaign to tackle drug trafficking, abuse, and associated criminal activities, with a focus on enforcement, rehabilitation, and community engagement.

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