NDLEA Raises Alarm Over Rising Involvement Of Women In Drug Trafficking In Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed concern over the growing involvement of women in drug trafficking in Edo State, describing the trend as a reflection of increasing socio-economic vulnerability and weakening family values.

Speaking in Benin City during the decoration ceremony of 73 newly promoted officers, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said women accounted for the majority of suspects arrested in the state in July.

According to him, 49 suspected drug traffickers were arrested during the month, including 29 women, while operatives seized 2,596.29 kilograms of various illicit drugs.

Ofoyeju said the command was developing strategies to promote family value reorientation as part of efforts to address the disturbing trend.

He noted that the agency’s recent operations recorded significant successes, including the discovery of three warehouses stocked with assorted illicit drugs and the interception of two vehicles—a Toyota Sienna with registration number NND 975 AG and a Toyota Camry with registration number BEN 503 BK—allegedly used to transport cannabis.

The commander added that officers also destroyed a cannabis plantation measuring about 0.64 hectares in Egbisi Forest, Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area. The farm was estimated to produce about 1,602.26 kilograms of cannabis.

He said the operation marked a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to dismantle drug cultivation and trafficking networks across the state.

“The destruction of this farm represents a crucial victory in the NDLEA’s mission to dismantle drug production operations within Edo State,” Ofoyeju said.

He added that the command also secured convictions in four drug-related cases during the period, describing the achievements as evidence of the agency’s sustained crackdown on narcotics.

Ofoyeju commended the dedication of officers and said their recent successes had boosted morale, positioning the command to intensify operations against drug cartels operating within the state.

He also congratulated the 73 newly promoted officers, urging them to remain committed to the agency’s mandate of combating drug trafficking and abuse.