The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has found three illegal drug warehouses in Edo State. They recovered 2,596.29kg of different narcotics during operations in July.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the NDLEA, shared this news on Thursday in Benin. He was decorating 73 newly promoted officers from the command.
Mr Ofoyeju mentioned that 49 suspected drug traffickers were arrested during a major crackdown across the state during that time.
The NDLEA boss explained that the warehouses were in Benin and Illushi in Esan South-East Local Government Area. They were found during intelligence-led operations carried out by the command.
“Operatives also intercepted two vehicles that were allegedly used to carry substances believed to be cannabis sativa. This is part of our ongoing efforts to break down drug trafficking networks in the state,” he said.
He listed the vehicles as a Toyota Sienna with registration number NND 975 AG and a Toyota Camry with registration number BEN 503 BK.
According to him, cannabis made up the largest share of the drugs seized, with 2,588.4kg. There were also 6.13kg of psychotropic substances, 1.68kg of methamphetamine, 0.071kg of cocaine, and 0.005kg of heroin.
“The command also seized 15.3 litres of codeine cough syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide, which is also called laughing gas,” he added.
Mr Ofoyeju revealed that among those arrested, 29 were women and 20 were men. He called this situation concerning.
“We have seen that women make up a larger number of those arrested, with 29 compared to 20 men. This is worrying, as it shows a change in the socio-economic challenges faced by women and the weakening of traditional family structures.
“The command is working on family value re-orientation to tackle this troubling trend,” he said.
The commander mentioned that they also destroyed a suspected cannabis farm that covered about 0.640903 hectares in the Egbisi Forest, Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
He said the farm was thought to produce around 1,602.26kg of cannabis. “The destruction of this suspected cannabis farm was another setback for illegal drug production in the state.”
He added that the command secured convictions in four drug-related cases during this time.
Mr Ofoyeju noted that 24 individuals with drug use problems received counseling and were reunited with their families as part of the agency’s rehabilitation program.
He mentioned one suspect, Osas Ogieva, 30, who was arrested with a Toyota Sienna carrying 43 bags of cannabis weighing 468kg. He claimed he was only hired to transport the goods.
Talking about the new officers, Mr Ofoyeju praised NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa, a retired brigadier-general, for continuing a promotion policy that has improved officers’ morale and effectiveness.
“This yearly promotion culture started by the chairman/chief executive officer has helped improve the agency’s results. The morale of the officers is now very high, and they are eager to tackle the most challenging drug cartels,” he said.
He encouraged the 73 newly promoted officers to lead with integrity, guide younger officers, and maintain a strict stance against corruption in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
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