Edo shrine drug cache uncovered as NDLEA recovers 498kg of skunk cannabis and arrests suspects during raids in Owan East

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Thursday, May 28, 2026, announced the discovery of a massive Edo shrine drug cache after recovering 498 kilograms of skunk cannabis allegedly concealed inside a shrine in Igwe Community, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.

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The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that the intelligence-led operation was carried out on May 22 and targeted a location allegedly linked to a notorious drug syndicate operating within the community.

According to Mitchell Ofoyeju, operatives recovered 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms alongside nine kilograms of cannabis seeds hidden inside the shrine.

He alleged that the drugs belonged to a suspected drug baron identified simply as Asrenre, who reportedly fled the area before the raid and is currently on the run.

“The exhibits were abandoned by the prime suspect, a notorious drug baron known as Asrenre, who is currently at large,” Ofoyeju stated.

The Edo shrine drug cache operation reportedly faced resistance from some youths in the community who initially claimed that the shrine was a sacred location occupied by local deities.

However, NDLEA operatives insisted on carrying out the search, which eventually led to the discovery of the concealed narcotics inside the shrine.

“Some youths of the community claimed that the location was the sacred home of their deities, but our officers insisted on conducting the search, which eventually led to the discovery of the concealed bags of cannabis,” the commander added.

The agency said a manhunt had already commenced for the fleeing suspect as investigations continue to identify other members of the alleged drug network.

In a related operation within the same community, NDLEA 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.

The agency also confirmed the arrest of a 33-year-old woman, Esther Igbafe, who was allegedly caught with 874 grams of cannabis, 19 grams of tramadol and three grams of Swinol.

Ofoyeju stated that all suspects were currently in custody while the recovered exhibits had been properly documented and secured as part of ongoing investigations.

The Edo shrine drug cache discovery has intensified efforts by the anti-narcotics agency to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within rural communities across the state.

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

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He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking and protecting communities from the dangers associated with substance abuse and criminal drug networks.