NDLEA Edo arrests 48 suspected traffickers and seizes 541kg of illicit drugs during intelligence-led operations across the state

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 48 suspected drug traffickers and seized 541.47 kilogrammes of illicit substances during a month-long crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse across the state.

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The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, saying the arrests and seizures were made through intelligence-led operations conducted at various drug hotspots in Edo State throughout May.

According to Ofoyeju, the suspects comprised 25 males and 23 females apprehended during separate operations.

The NDLEA Edo arrests resulted in the recovery of 540.6253 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, which accounted for the largest portion of the seized drugs. Operatives also recovered 0.2701 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, including tramadol, Swinol, diazepam and Rohypnol, as well as 0.1415 kilogrammes of methamphetamine and 1.4 litres of codeine syrup.

Ofoyeju said the command’s legal unit secured three convictions during the period and filed five new cases in court. He added that 94 drug-related cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court in Benin City.

One of the major operations led to the arrest of a suspect identified as Lucky Omen, who was allegedly found in possession of 27.3 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa.

The commander also disclosed that Joseph Osin was arrested with 743 grammes of cannabis sativa, while Prince Aniete was allegedly found with 373 grammes of loud, 11 grammes of tramadol and three grammes of Swinol. Another suspect, Esther Okes, was reportedly arrested with 194 grammes of cannabis sativa.

In Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, NDLEA operatives raided several drug flashpoints and arrested two suspects identified as Abdulmalik Sunday, 30, and Abayomi Precious, 29.

According to Ofoyeju, items recovered from Abayomi Precious included 238 grammes of loud, three grammes of Colorado, 22 grammes of tramadol, 23 grammes of Swinol and two grammes of Rohypnol.

Abdulmalik Sunday was allegedly found with 18 grammes of loud, 58 grammes of Colorado, 14 grammes of tramadol, five grammes of Swinol and 53 grammes of methamphetamine.

Beyond enforcement activities, the agency said it continued its drug demand reduction initiatives during the month. Ofoyeju revealed that 31 clients, comprising 24 males and seven females, received counselling and were reunited with their families, while eight others remain in rehabilitation programmes.

The command also organised five sensitisation campaigns aimed at educating residents on the dangers of substance abuse. One of the flagship programmes was the Benin City Teens and Youth Invasion initiative, which focused on raising awareness among young people about the causes, effects and prevention of drug abuse.

Describing the achievements as significant, Ofoyeju commended officers and personnel of the command for their professionalism and vigilance.

“These operations send a strong message to drug traffickers that Edo State is not a haven for their illegal trade. We will continue to intensify our raids and intelligence-led operations to apprehend those involved in the distribution and sale of narcotics,” he said.

The commander added that investigations were ongoing and that all suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

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He also urged members of the public, families and institutions to continue supporting the agency with credible information to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse across Edo State.