Two suspected drug traffickers arrested as NDLEA uncovers 498kg cannabis hidden in Edo shrine

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered 498 kilograms of skunk cannabis hidden inside a shrine in the state.

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NDLEA Commander in the state, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in Benin City on Thursday, May 28, 2026 said two suspected drug traffickers were also arrested in a separate operation.

Ofoyeju said the illicit drugs were abandoned by some members of the drug syndicate operating in the Owan East Local Government Area of the State.

According to him, the seizure was made during a coordinated raid at Igwe Community on May, 22, 2026, following intelligence report. 

“The operation led to the recovery of 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, as well as 9 kilograms of cannabis seeds, totalling 498 kilogram,” he said. 

“Cannabis were found abandoned by the prime suspect, a notorious drug baron known as Asrenre, who is at large.”

He explained that there was resistance from some youth who claimed that the location was the sacred home of their deities and should not been dececrated, adding that search conducted on the area led to the discovery of the cannabis.

Ofoyeju said the agency will continue to hunt drug barons and their deadly drugs notwithstanding the location.

He noted that the NDLEA Act empowers the agency  to search anywhere narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are believed to have been concealed.

“We will continue to be steps ahead of drug criminals through superior intelligence and compliance with the standard operating procedures,” he added. 

In a related operation within the same community, Ofoyeju disclosed that operatives arrested a 50-year-old suspect, Sunday Oghaimen, who was allegedly found in possession of 945 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of Tramadol.

He also revealed that a 33-year-old female suspect, Esther Igbafe, was apprehended with 874 grams of cannabis, 19 grams of tramadol, and three grams of Swinol. 

“All suspects have been taken into custody, while the recovered exhibits have been properly documented and secured,” he said.

Ofoyeju noted that investigations had commenced to unravel the source of the drugs and dismantle the criminal network linked to the fleeing suspect.

“We are working to track all links to the fleeing drug baron, Asrenre, and ensure he is brought to justice.”