NDLEA seizes 1,378kg cannabis in Edo raid, arrests suspect

BENIN CITY: Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have raided a major drug warehouse in Igbanke community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, seizing 1,378 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis sativa and arresting one suspect, 37-year-old Roland Owie.

The Edo State Commander of the agency, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Monday in Benin City, stating that the operation was carried out, following credible intelligence.

According to him, the raid led to the recovery of 125 bags of dried weeds suspected to be skunk.

Ofoyeju described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the agency’s ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks.

“This successful operation underscores our relentless pursuit of drug cartels and our strategic focus on supply suppression,” he said.

He noted that the seizure of such a large quantity in a single operation had dealt a major blow to illicit drug distribution networks.

“The seizure of 1,378kg of cannabis represents a significant dent in the distribution chain of these harmful substances,” he said.

The NDLEA commander added that intercepting the drugs would prevent them from reaching communities, particularly young people who are most vulnerable to substance abuse.

“Every kilogramme seized disrupts the criminal economy, weakens trafficking syndicates and makes our society safer,” he added.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining the offensive against drug traffickers, warning that Edo State would no longer serve as a safe haven for illicit drug operations.

Ofoyeju also commended the officers involved for their professionalism and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support the agency’s efforts.