The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted fifty-three thousand, five hundred and twenty (53,520.80 kg) of drugs with an estimated street value of N777,000,000.

Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, made this known during a media meeting with journalists in Benin City to project the half-year operational scorecard of the command.

The event was also part of activities to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with the theme ‘The Evidence Is Clear: Invest In Prevention.’

The Edo State commander said, “The war against illicit drugs remains a top priority for the General Marwa-led administration, and I am proud to report significant achievements in our ongoing efforts in the past six months. Our dedicated teams have engaged in rigorous operations culminating in remarkable seizures of various narcotics, thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of Edo State.”

Mitchell stated that “the Edo command arrested two hundred and nine (209) suspected drug traffickers, destroyed 18 cannabis farms, secured the conviction of twenty-four (24) drug offenders and provided counselling and rehabilitation services to 194 and 19 clients with drug abuse disorders, respectively.

The commander, who said that the seizures underscored the unyielding stance against drug trafficking and abuse, gave the breakdown as follows: Cannabis 53,441.3371 kg, Cocaine 0.0216 kg, heroin 0.0111 kg, methamphetamine 1.0775 kg, psychotropic substances 78.3473 kg and codeine-based syrup 1,915 bottles (191.5 litres). Others are Pentazocine Injection 2.700 ampoules and 19 foil plates of cookies laced with cannabis.

Mitchell told journalists that evidence-led operations culminated in the apprehension of 209 suspected drug traffickers, consisting of 129 males and 80 females. Two of the suspects were picked up at Ihiama Road, within the Government Reserve Area (GRA), which is notorious for drug peddling. He assured that the ongoing onslaught is aimed at dislodging every drug joint, identifying and evacuating illicit drug warehouses and destroying cannabis plantations through constant raid operations.

Mitchell highlighted the discovery and closure of Big Jamaya Supermarket at Ekpoma, where assorted drugs were being sold. “The closure of such criminal premises is a positive development because Ekpoma is a university environment with a teeming youth population. Her arrest is a strong warning to drug barons that, notwithstanding the disguise, they will be smoked out. We have a responsibility under the law to protect every citizen through comprehensive drug supply control and prevention interventions,” the commander stated.

The (28-year-old female suspect and 300-level undergraduate student of Ambrose Ali University, Esther Abumere was found in possession of Colorado, a strong synthetic variant of cannabis weighing 31 grammes; Canadian loud, another strong variant of cannabis, 763 grammes; and Tramadol 100 mg, 125 capsules, 50 grammes; Tramadol 200 mg, 35 tablets, 20 grammes; Tramadol 225 mg, 125 tablets, 92 grammes, making 162 grammes. Other drugs found at the supermarket are Swinol 146 tablets, 56 grammes; Rohypnol 93 tablets, 30 grammes; and Molly, 56 tablets, 25 grammes.

During interrogation, the suspect claimed to have ventured into the criminal act of drug trafficking to offset the loan she collected from a microfinance bank. She hails from Uromi in the Esan North East Local Government Area.

In line with the provision of the NDLEA enabling act to make drug abuse treatment, counselling and rehabilitation accessible to persons with drug abuse disorders, the Edo State command provided brief interventions to 194 clients consisting of 135 males and 59 females.

The commander added that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is supporting the fight against drugs in the state. “Kidnapping and cultism are deeply entrenched in narcotic drugs. We are therefore working harmoniously to make Edo State inhospitable and unfriendly to drug barons and their cohorts. These enemies of the state can run but cannot hide. We will catch them, seize their drugs, trace their illicit wealth for confiscation and prosecute them,” Mitchell assured.

While urging members of the public to collaborate with the Agency in this fight by providing credible information on drug-related activities, he acknowledged the relentless efforts of the NDLEA personnel whose commitment and bravery have led to these achievements.