NDLEA arrests 42 suspected drug dealers in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has arrested 42 people suspected of drug trafficking. They also seized 9,520kg of illegal substances in September 2026.

The agency is looking for a suspected drug dealer named Gospel Mudiaga Odeh, also known as Omega. He escaped during an operation. His Toyota Matrix car and other items found in the vehicle were taken by the agency.

State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju shared this information in the command’s monthly report. This report covered their work in drug enforcement, rehabilitation, and education about substance abuse.

Ofoyeju said the arrests were based on intelligence-led operations. These operations followed orders from the NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.).

He explained, "Out of the 42 suspects arrested, 22 are females, while 20 are males. One suspected drug dealer, Gospel Mudiaga Odeh, who narrowly escaped arrest, has been declared wanted. His salesgirl, Ojugo Mercy, 26 years old, was caught with different drugs: Loud weighing 989 grams, Colorado weighing 13 grams, and methamphetamine weighing 83 grams."

"Mudiaga fled, leaving his black Toyota Matrix car behind. Items found in the car include 65 grams of cannabis, N1.16 million, and 55 Ethiopian birr, which is considered part of the crime."

Ofoyeju added, "Mudiaga can run, but he has no hiding place because the command has been tasked by the Chairman/CEO to find and prosecute him."

He also expressed worry about more women getting involved in drug trafficking in the state.

Ofoyeju stated that the command seized 9,520kg of illegal drugs last month. This included 9,248.2575kg of cannabis plants destroyed and 271.92348kg of other drugs intercepted.

The other drugs found included 245.29kg of Cannabis Sativa, 25.97kg of psychotropic substances, 0.66kg of methamphetamine, and 62.6 liters of codeine syrup.

He said operatives found and destroyed 10 cannabis farms covering 3.699303 hectares, with an estimated yield of 9,248.2575kg.

Beyond enforcement, he mentioned that the command secured three convictions and has 83 cases pending in different courts.

He added that the command has provided counseling for 28 clients and offered vocational training in areas like tailoring, embroidery, and liquid soap production. This is part of their efforts to help these clients reintegrate into society.

Ofoyeju stated that the command is dedicated to fighting drug trafficking and abuse in Edo State. He called for more support from stakeholders to deal with the issue.

Also, on Sunday, NDLEA operatives intercepted containers with Loud, a strong type of cannabis, and codeine syrup worth over N5 billion. The agency said this happened at the Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne seaports after months of tracking the shipments from their original ports.