The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State arrested 68 suspected drug traffickers and seized 7,531.51kg of illicit drugs in August. This was disclosed on Thursday September 3 by the state commander, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju. The suspects comprised 34 males and 34 females and were arrested during intelligence-led operations across the state.
Ofoyeju said cannabis accounted for 7,524.83kg of the drugs seized, alongside psychotropic substances, methamphetamine and 34.8 litres of codeine syrup. The command also discovered and destroyed four cannabis farms covering 2.57 hectares in forest areas of Orhionmwon and Owan West Local Government Areas, with an estimated yield of 6,433.33kg.
The commander said the operations were part of efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent locally cultivated cannabis from entering the illicit market. He added that three new cases were charged to court, while 87 cases remained pending, with no convictions recorded during the month because the Federal High Court was on vacation.
Beyond enforcement, the command said it was strengthening prevention, counselling and rehabilitation programmes. Twenty-three clients received counselling, 12 people were enrolled in vocational training in tailoring, perfume making and liquid soap production, while more than 2,150 people participated in five drug-abuse sensitisation programmes.
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