The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its anti-narcotics operations in Edo State, recovering more than 600 kilograms of cannabis and arresting nine suspected drug traffickers in separate raids across the state.
The seizure was carried out in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army during an operation at a known drug trafficking hub in Ewe Luleha, Owan West Local Government Area.
Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that operatives recovered 65 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 604.5 kilograms during the raid.
He said the suspected drug kingpin linked to the operation, identified simply as Sunday, escaped arrest and is currently being tracked by security agencies.
According to Ofoyeju, intelligence-driven efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect and dismantle the network behind the illicit trade.
In a separate operation, the command arrested nine suspected drug dealers across various locations in the state. The suspects, comprising five men and four women, were allegedly found in possession of different quantities of cannabis, methamphetamine, tramadol and other illicit substances.
Among those arrested was a 58-year-old grandfather, Musa Muhammed, while other suspects were apprehended with varying quantities of narcotics, including cannabis, loud, Colorado and methamphetamine.
The NDLEA commander described the operations as a major breakthrough in the agency’s campaign against drug abuse and trafficking, stressing that the state command remains committed to identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
He also called on residents to support law enforcement agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing investigations and lead to the arrest of fleeing suspects.
According to him, community participation remains essential in tackling drug-related crimes and protecting young people from the dangers associated with substance abuse.
The agency reaffirmed its determination to sustain enforcement actions aimed at reducing the circulation of illicit drugs and improving public safety across Edo State.
