NDLEA, Army arrest medicine store, supermarket owners, others with 11,297 capsules of tramadol in Edo
NDLEA and Army Collaborate to Arrest Drug Suspects in Edo State
BENIN CITY, Nigeria — The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in partnership with the Nigerian Army, has apprehended five individuals, including a 46-year-old patent medicine vendor and a 25-year-old supermarket owner, in connection with the possession of over 11,000 capsules of tramadol and other controlled substances.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the State Commander of the NDLEA, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, identified the suspects as Akam Theophilus and Ashitor Godfrey, along with three others: Asemota Endurance, Franklin Kijie, and Smart Ekhaitor.
The operation resulted in the confiscation of 11,297 tramadol capsules, along with 400 tablets of diazepam, 108 tablets of Swinol, and 22 tablets of Danabol, also known as ‘Molly.’ Additional items seized included 3.685 kilograms of cannabis, 181 grams of Loud, 7 grams of methamphetamine, and 10 bottles of codeine cough syrup.
Dr. Ofoyeju emphasized that the joint operation highlights a strengthened collaboration between the NDLEA and the Army, advancing efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and abuse in the region. He noted the Army’s commitment to supporting the NDLEA’s initiatives, particularly through targeted raids on known drug hotspots in Benin City.
“The Army has assured that there is no safe haven for drug traffickers,” Ofoyeju stated, warning that individuals caught near military barracks would be handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution.
The locations of the raids included a patent medicine shop adjacent to the S&T Barracks, a supermarket near Ekenwan Barracks, and the Obagie area off Sapele Road.
“This synergy between the NDLEA and the Nigerian Army is formidable,” Ofoyeju added. “We will continue to dismantle drug networks across Edo State, as directed by our leadership.”
He also warned that targeting youths with illegal substances is detrimental to the nation’s future and assured that violators would face the full force of the law.
Ofoyeju urged the public to provide the NDLEA with information regarding drug-related activities, assuring that such information would be handled confidentially. All suspects are currently in custody, and ongoing investigations are being conducted for immediate prosecution.
