NDLEA burns over 73,000kg of drugs in Edo State

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has set fire to 73,463.21 kilogrammes of drugs and other harmful substances worth N2.8 billion in Edo State.

The public destruction exercise took place on Thursday in Benin City.

The breakdown of the destroyed drugs shows that Cannabis sativa made up the largest part, with 73,210.23 kilogrammes. Other substances destroyed included 246.36 kilogrammes of psychotropic drugs, such as Tramadol (141.81kg), Diazepam (8.43kg), and Codeine cough syrup (61.77kg).

Also destroyed were 2.66 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, 3.74 kilogrammes of cocaine, and 0.22 kilogrammes of heroin.

At the event, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said this action shows the agency’s commitment to fighting drug trafficking and substance abuse.

Marwa, who was represented by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Suleiman Ningi, thanked the Edo State Government for its support, especially for giving 20 plots of land for a new state command headquarters.

He said, “The illicit drugs being destroyed today amount to 73,463.21 kilogrammes and are valued at N2.8 billion.

“What we are gathered here to do goes beyond just burning contraband. We are strongly reaffirming our collective resolve to confront, dismantle and finally defeat the issue of drug abuse and illegal trafficking.”

Marwa added that destroying these drugs shows the agency’s determination to clean up communities from substances that can cause crime, insecurity, and health problems.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, also spoke at the event. He said fighting illegal drugs is a battle against crime and social decay.

Represented by Edesili Anani, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, the governor promised continued support to the agency. He also revealed plans to build a modern rehabilitation center for people recovering from substance use disorders.

“This is not just a moment for celebration; it is a time for serious reflection and renewed commitment. The war on drugs is a war for the soul of our nation. It is a battle against crime, kidnapping, banditry, and the damaging health effects of substance abuse,” he said.

He warned drug traffickers, stating, “Drug traffickers must leave Edo State because we are coming for them, and we will not stop until every gram of illegal substance is seized and destroyed.”

Senator Joseph Ikpea, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District, praised the NDLEA for its efforts in stopping drugs and promised legislative support to strengthen the agency.

“Every kilogramme of cocaine, every bag of cannabis, and every sachet of tramadol and codeine destroyed today means lives saved from the terrible effects of drug abuse. Your work is risky and often underfunded, but you keep filling important gaps in our national security,” he said.

Ikpea assured the agency of continued advocacy for better funding, welfare, equipment, and legal support.

Earlier, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, talked about the command’s successes in stopping illegal drugs in the state.

He mentioned that operatives have intercepted vehicles and trucks carrying drugs, arrested suspects of all ages and genders, and found drugs hidden in strange places, including shrines.

“We have stopped cars and trucks full of drugs. We have caught both young and old, men and women, and have even found drugs hidden in shrines. We have also faced attacks from armed criminals while doing our jobs, but we will not be discouraged in carrying out our mission,” Ofoyeju said.

He urged parents and guardians to pay more attention to the growing problem of substance abuse among young people.

“We can give our children good education, food, clothes, and money, but if we fail to protect them from drugs and substance abuse, we have failed in our duty to them,” he added.