NDLEA arrests 47 suspected traffickers, recover 541kg of illicit drugs in Edo
NDLEA Arrests 47 Suspected Drug Traffickers in Edo State
Edo State operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended 47 individuals believed to be involved in drug trafficking, along with the seizure of over 541 kilograms of illegal substances.
Edo State NDLEA Commander, Ofoyeju, announced the arrests, which took place in May, during a press briefing on Tuesday in Benin City.
The suspects were detained at various locations, including Ekpoma, Esan West, and Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Areas. Among those apprehended in Ekpoma were Lucky Omen, Joseph Osin, Prince Aniete, and Esther Okes. In Auchi, suspects included Abdulmalik Sunday and Abayomi Precious.
Ofoyeju indicated that the arrests resulted from intelligence-led operations targeting known drug hotspots in the affected localities. The group includes 25 males and 22 females.
In terms of drug seizures, Cannabis sativa was the most prevalent substance, totaling 540.63 kilograms. Other confiscated items included 0.27 kilograms of various psychotropic substances—such as tramadol, Swinol, diazepam, and Rohypnol—along with 0.14 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1.4 liters of codeine syrup.
Ofoyeju highlighted significant reclamations from individual suspects, including 27.3 kilograms of cannabis from Lucky Omen, and smaller quantities from Joseph Osin, Prince Aniete, and Esther Okes.
Further operations in Auchi resulted in the arrests of Abdulmalik Sunday, 30, and Abayomi Precious, 29. Authorities recovered various drugs from both suspects, including significant amounts of Loud and Colorado.
In addition to the arrests, Ofoyeju reported that the NDLEA’s legal unit secured three court convictions while charging five new cases. Currently, 94 cases remain pending in the Federal High Court in Benin City.
To combat drug demand, the command has counseled 31 clients—24 males and 7 females—with all having been released to their families. Eight others are undergoing rehabilitation, and investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing, with charges to be filed upon completion.
