NDLEA arrests 48 drug traffickers in Edo and seizes over 541kg of drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, has arrested 48 suspected drug traffickers in May.

The NDLEA Commander for Edo State shared this news in a statement on Tuesday. He said the command also seized 541.47 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs in its ongoing fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

The commander noted that the arrests included 25 males and 22 females. They were caught during intelligence-led operations at various known drug spots across the state.

A detailed report on the seizures showed that cannabis sativa made up the largest portion, with 540.6253 kg. Other drugs seized included 0.2701 kg of psychotropic substances like tramadol, Swinol, diazepam, and Rohypnol; 0.1415 kg of methamphetamine; and 1.4 litres of codeine syrup.

He said, “The NDLEA, Edo State Command, has arrested 48 suspected drug traffickers in the month of May. The arrests comprised 25 males and 22 females nabbed during intelligence-led operations at various drug flashpoints across the state.”

The commander also mentioned that the command’s legal unit secured three convictions in court. Five new cases were filed, and 94 cases are still pending at the Federal High Court in Benin City.

According to Ofoyeju, a major seizure involved Lucky Omen, who had a large bag of cannabis sativa weighing 27.3 kg. Joseph Osin was caught with 743 grammes of cannabis sativa. Prince Aniete had 373 grammes of Loud, 11 grammes of tramadol, and three grammes of Swinol. Esther Okes was found with 194 grammes of cannabis sativa.

He added, “In a similar operation, officers raided drug hotspots within Auchi town, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state. The raid led to the arrest of two suspected drug traffickers: Abdulmalik Sunday, 30, and Abayomi Precious, 29. Items recovered from Abayomi Precious include 238 grammes of Loud, three grammes of Colorado, 22 grammes of Tramadol (100mg), 23 grammes of Swinol, and two grammes of Rohypnol. Abdulmalik Sunday was found with 18 grammes of Loud, 58 grammes of Colorado, 14 grammes of Tramadol, five grammes of Swinol, and 53 grammes of methamphetamine.”

For drug demand reduction, Ofoyeju said the command counselled 31 clients, which included 24 males and seven females. They have been released to their families, while eight others are in rehabilitation.

He also mentioned that the unit held five sensitisation programmes during the month. One of them was the Benin City Teens and Youth Invasion programme, where the commander spoke about Drug Abuse Among Youth: Causes, Effects, and Preventive Measures.

Ofoyeju praised the officers for their vigilance and professionalism. He stated that the arrests and drug seizures show the command’s commitment to clearing the state of illegal drugs.

“These operations send a clear message to drug traffickers that Edo State is not a safe place for their illegal trade. We will keep increasing our raids and intelligence-led operations to catch those involved in distributing and selling narcotics,” Ofoyeju said.

He added that investigations into the cases of the arrested suspects are underway. They will be charged in court once the investigations are finished.

The commander also urged the public, families, and institutions to keep providing useful information to the agency in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the state.