NDLEA arrests 42 suspects, destroys 10 cannabis farms in Edo
NDLEA Arrests 42 Drug Traffickers, Dismantles Cannabis Farms in Edo State
Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the arrest of 42 individuals suspected of drug trafficking and the destruction of 10 cannabis farms covering a total area of 3.69 hectares during September.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, the NDLEA commander in Edo, detailed these operational achievements at a recent press briefing. Among those apprehended were 20 males and 22 females, reflecting an alarming trend of increased female participation in illicit drug activities within the state.
During September, the command seized a total of 271.92 kilograms of illegal substances. This haul included 245.29 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 25.97 kilograms of psychotropic drugs, 0.66 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 62.6 liters of codeine syrup. Ofoyeju attributed the success of these operations to intelligence-led enforcement strategies, as mandated by NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa.
Among the notable arrests was Gospel Mudiaga Odeh, also known as Omega, identified as a suspected major drug trafficker, who escaped capture but was later placed on the agency’s wanted list. He left behind a black Toyota Matrix, from which authorities recovered 65 grams of cannabis, 1.16 million naira, and 55 Ethiopian birr, all documented as evidence.
Ofoyeju reported additional substances collected from the suspects, including 989 grams of Loud, 13 grams of Colorado, and 83 grams of methamphetamine. The vehicle, drugs, and cash related to Odeh’s case have been secured as exhibits.
In terms of cannabis cultivation, the NDLEA destroyed farms with a combined estimated yield of 9,248.26 kilograms. Specific locations included two farms in Monday Camp, Ovia South-West, with estimated yields of 2,042.87 kilograms and 278.99 kilograms; two farms in Igwe-Oke Community Forest, Owan East, yielding 1,559.26 kilograms and 951.44 kilograms; and additional farms in Okagboro Forest, Owan West, and Ukporwoya Forest, with a variety of yields.
Ofoyeju emphasized that these operations reflect the command’s ongoing commitment to reducing drug supply, supporting rehabilitation efforts, and preventing substance abuse through targeted law enforcement initiatives.
