Edo Drug Crackdown: NDLEA, Army Seize Over 604kg Cannabis, Nab Nine
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), working with the Nigerian Army, has recovered 604.5 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis in Edo State and arrested nine suspected drug peddlers during separate operations.
The major seizure was made on August 5 at a notorious drug hub in Ewe Luleha, Owan West Local Government Area, where operatives recovered 65 bags of dried cannabis that tested positive for skunk.
The Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the operation was carried out jointly by NDLEA personnel and soldiers following intelligence on activities at the drug location.
The agency also launched a manhunt for a suspected drug kingpin identified as Sunday, who reportedly escaped during the operation. Ofoyeju said efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest him.
In separate operations across different drug hotspots in the state, nine suspected drug dealers were arrested with various illicit substances. The suspects included four males and four females.
Among those arrested was 58-year-old Musa Muhammed, who was allegedly found with cannabis, Loud and Colorado. Other suspects identified by the NDLEA included Ebere Anthony, Gift Oliseyenum, Boniface George and Muzamilu Mustapha.
The remaining suspects were identified as Faustina Peter, Chucks Odili, Anna Agbona and Julius Enebuli. The agency said the suspects were found with varying quantities of cannabis and other illicit substances, including methamphetamine and tramadol.
Ofoyeju described the operations as a significant step in the state’s fight against drug trafficking and abuse, while urging residents to provide information that could assist authorities in locating the fleeing suspect and disrupting illicit drug networks.
The NDLEA commander said the agency would sustain intelligence-led operations across Edo State and ensure that those arrested face prosecution in accordance with the law.