NDLEA arrests 75 suspected drug traffickers, seizes 16,818kg of illicit drugs in Edo
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported the apprehension of 75 individuals suspected of drug trafficking and the seizure of 16,818.17 kilograms of illegal substances in October 2026.
NDLEA Commander Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju provided details of the operation, which resulted in the arrest of 54 men and 21 women. He noted that authorities also dismantled eight cannabis farms covering 5.73 hectares, with an estimated yield of 14,322.05 kilograms.
The seized drugs included 2,492.7 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, 3.2 kilograms of psychotropic substances, 0.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 35 cylinders of nitrous oxide, six cups of brownies, and 4.1 liters of codeine syrup.
Among those arrested were Monday Orji, 52; Monday Lawal, 40; and Precious Uduegele, 20. A noteworthy seizure occurred when a black Toyota Camry, found in Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area, was carrying 1,049 compressed blocks of cannabis, weighing a total of 702.83 kilograms.
The destroyed cannabis farms were located in various areas, including Uzebba Forest and Ukhuise-Osi Community in Owan West Local Government Area, Ugbada Forest in the same area, Ugboshi Ele Forest in Akoko Edo, and Eco Camp, Illushi, in Esan South East Local Government Area.
Ofoyeju stated that the command secured six convictions and filed 14 cases in court, while 103 cases remain pending. He emphasized the commitment of the NDLEA’s Edo Command to combat drug cartels in the region, as urged by NDLEA Chairman and CEO Mohamed Buba Marwa. Marwa has called for intensified, intelligence-led operations to dismantle trafficking networks in alignment with the agency’s strategic vision.
Ofoyeju described Marwa’s visit as a motivating factor for officers, who expressed determination to escalate efforts against drug trafficking in Edo State.
