The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on
illicit drug activities in Edo State, arresting five suspects and destroying a large cannabis
plantation during a series of operations across the state.
The Commander of the NDLEA in Edo State, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the development
in a statement, describing the operations as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking
and substance abuse.
According to the agency, a specialised enforcement team raided a cannabis plantation located
within the Ukaro Forest in Owan West Local Government Area on August 18, 2026.
During the operation, three suspects identified as Imohimi Ugbeje, Usihoro Saturday and
Bala Sunday were arrested at the site.
Investigators discovered a cannabis farm covering approximately 0.496 hectares with an
estimated yield of about 1,240.9 kilograms of cannabis.
The plantation was subsequently destroyed, while samples of cannabis plant stems and a half
bag of processed cannabis weighing about 5.5 kilograms were recovered as evidence.
In a separate operation carried out on August 19 in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government
Area, NDLEA operatives uncovered an illegal drug warehouse stocked with large quantities
of controlled substances.
Recovered items included 319 bottles of codeine cough syrup, 1,340 capsules of tramadol,
344 tablets of Rohypnol and 222 tablets of Danabol.
Although no arrest was made during the warehouse raid, the agency said investigations were
ongoing to identify and apprehend the owner of the facility.
On the same day, two additional suspects were arrested in Benin City while allegedly in
possession of “Canadian Loud,” a potent strain of synthetic cannabis.
The NDLEA described the operations as a demonstration of its determination to disrupt drug
trafficking networks and reduce the circulation of dangerous substances within communities.
The agency also reiterated its commitment to working with other security organisations and
local stakeholders to tackle drug-related crimes and protect public health and safety.
Authorities have urged members of the public to support anti-drug efforts by providing
credible information that could assist law enforcement agencies in identifying and
dismantling illicit drug operations.
