NDLEA Destroys 5 Cannabis Farms, Arrests 3 In Edo

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has destroyed five cannabis farms covering 2.269668 hectares and arrested three suspected drug traffickers in separate operations across the state.

The command also intercepted large quantities of psychotropic substances, including 590 bottles of codeine syrup, 50,000 capsules of Tramadol 100mg, 100 tablets of Tramadol 225mg and 25,000 tablets of Diazepam.

The commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this yesterday in Benin City, said the operations were conducted within the past two weeks as part of efforts to curb illicit drug cultivation and trafficking.

Ofoyeju expressed concern over the expansion of cannabis plantations in the state’s forests, describing the development as a growing threat that requires urgent collective action.
He said, “We cannot continue this way because what began as a little garden is turning into a large plantation.”

The NDLEA commander called on local government chairmen to strengthen collaboration with the agency, stressing that their proximity to rural communities places them in a strategic position to help combat illicit cannabis cultivation.

“Chairmen of local government councils are closer to the people, and we need their active collaboration,” he stated.

According to him, two of the farms, measuring 0.928744 hectares, were located at Monday Camp, Usen Forest, in Ovia South West Local Government Area, while another two farms, covering 1.004278 hectares, were discovered at Igwe-Oke Forest, Owan East LGA.

He added that the fifth farm, measuring 0.336646 hectares, was found at Ogboha Forest, Owan West LGA, bringing the total estimated yield of the destroyed plantations to 5,674.17kg.

During the raid at Ogboha Forest, a 39-year-old suspect, identified as Sunday Segun, was arrested at the scene.

Ofoyeju further disclosed that operatives at Bob-Izua Park, New Road, Okada, apprehended one Hassan Mohammed with 7.1kg of cannabis, three knives and charms.

He said the command also recorded a major breakthrough in its campaign against the abuse and trafficking of psychotropic substances when officers on patrol in Auchi intercepted a vehicle loaded with assorted illicit drugs.

The commander stated that a 25-year-old suspect, Jamie Zubaru, was arrested in connection with the consignment and was assisting the agency with further investigation.

Ofoyeju reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling illicit drug networks, protecting public safety and promoting community health across Edo State.