NDLEA Arrests 18-Year-Old Nigerien, 39 Others in Edo Drug Crackdown

From Moshood Karim

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 40 suspects, including an 18-year-old foreign national, as part of a sweeping anti-narcotics operation across the state.

The suspect, identified as Mohammed Isah from Niger Republic, was apprehended with various controlled substances including four grammes of methamphetamine, 54 grammes of cannabis sativa, six grammes of tramadol (100mg), and 28 grammes of Exol-5 tablets.

State Commander of the Agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed while presenting his first monthly operational scorecard since assuming office. He stated that a total of 39 other individuals—comprising 18 men and 21 women—were arrested during the month-long operation in May.

According to Ofoyeju, NDLEA operatives also uncovered and destroyed two cannabis farms measuring a combined 0.783 hectares. The farms were located in Uzebba and Ohosu forests in Owan West and Ovia South West Local Government Areas, respectively. The Uzebba site measured 0.266 hectares, while the Ohosu farm covered 0.517 hectares.

A major breakthrough came with the interception of 74 and a half bags of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,115 kilogrammes, in the Oke community of Ohunwude LGA. The bust, carried out following an intelligence tip-off, led to the arrest of two suspects: 33-year-old Isaac Israel from Abak LGA, Akwa Ibom State, and 19-year-old Precious Zion from Ogba LGA, Rivers State.

Ofoyeju noted that the rise in drug trafficking has been closely linked to increasing violent crimes in the state. “This activity undermines public safety, discourages investment, and places a huge burden on both law enforcement and the healthcare system,” he said.

He emphasised the agency’s commitment to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s security agenda, particularly the crackdown on kidnapping and cult-related activities. “Drug control is germane to the Governor’s fight against criminality. We will continue to work assiduously to ensure a safe and secure society for all,” Ofoyeju added.

The NDLEA commander reaffirmed the mandate given to him by the agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), to dismantle cannabis cultivation networks and intensify the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

He called for more coordinated and proactive strategies, including improved resource allocation, to effectively tackle the menace of drug abuse and trafficking.