Edo: NDLEA nabs 49 suspects, seizes 2,596.29kg of illicit drugs in July
Edo State NDLEA Arrests 49 Suspected Drug Traffickers
BENIN CITY, Edo State — The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 49 individuals on suspicion of drug trafficking in July 2026.
NDLEA Commandant Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju made the announcement Thursday during a ceremony in which 73 operatives were promoted to new ranks.
Of those detained, 29 are women and 20 are men. Ofoyeju expressed concern about the increasing involvement of women in drug-related offenses, suggesting it reflects a shift in socio-economic vulnerabilities and a decline in traditional family structures.
During this period, officials uncovered and raided three drug warehouses in the state. Two of the warehouses were located in Benin City, while the third was found in Illushi. Authorities also intercepted two vehicles— a Toyota Sienna and a Toyota Camry— used for transporting cannabis.
According to Ofoyeju, cannabis comprised the majority of the seizures, totaling 2,588.4 kilograms. Additional substances confiscated included 6.13 kilograms of psychotropic substances, 0.071 kilograms of cocaine, 0.005 kilograms of heroin, and 1.68 kilograms of methamphetamine. The agency also seized 15.3 liters of codeine cough syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide, illustrating the diverse range of drugs trafficked in the region.
In a proactive measure against drug production, the command destroyed a cannabis farm located in the Egbisi forest of Abudu, within the Orhionmwon Local Government Area. Ofoyeju called this destruction a significant achievement in the NDLEA’s efforts to dismantle drug operations in Edo State.
The command also reported securing convictions in four prominent drug cases during the month. Furthermore, 24 individuals struggling with drug use received counseling and were reunited with their families, highlighting the agency’s comprehensive approach to addressing drug issues in the community.
