NDLEA nabs 48 drug traffickers in Edo, seizes 541.47kg of drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has arrested 48 suspected drug traffickers in May.

The Edo State NDLEA Commander shared this news in a statement on Tuesday. The agency also seized 541.47 kilograms of drugs in its fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

The arrests included 25 men and 22 women taken during operations based on intelligence reports. These operations happened at various drug hotspots across the state.

A look at the seized drugs shows that cannabis sativa made up the largest portion, totaling 540.6253 kg. Other drugs included 0.2701 kg of psychotropic substances like tramadol, Swinol, diazepam, and Rohypnol; 0.1415 kg of methamphetamine; and 1.4 liters of codeine syrup.

The commander 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.”

He also mentioned that the command’s legal unit has secured three convictions in court. Five new cases have been filed, and there are 94 pending cases at the Federal High Court in Benin City.

Ofoyeju stated that the most notable seizure was from Lucky Omen, who had a huge bag of cannabis sativa weighing 27.3 kg. Joseph Osin was caught with 743 grams of cannabis sativa. Prince Aniete had 373 grams of Loud, 11 grams of tramadol, and three grams of Swinol. Esther Okes was found with 194 grams of cannabis sativa.

In a related operation, officers raided drug locations in Auchi town, Etsako West Local Government Area. They arrested two suspected traffickers: Abdulmalik Sunday, 30, and Abayomi Precious, 29. Abayomi Precious had 238 grams of Loud, three grams of Colorado, 22 grams of Tramadol (100mg), 23 grams of Swinol, and two grams of Rohypnol. Abdulmalik Sunday was found with 18 grams of Loud, 58 grams of Colorado, 14 grams of Tramadol, five grams of Swinol, and 53 grams of methamphetamine.

On reducing drug demand, Ofoyeju noted the command helped 31 clients, including 24 men and seven women. They were released to their families, while eight others are in rehabilitation.

He added that the unit hosted five sensitization programs during the month. One of them was the Benin City Teens and Youth Invasion program, where the commander spoke about Drug Abuse Among Youth: Causes, Effects, and Preventive Measures.

Ofoyeju praised the officers for their alertness and professionalism. He said the arrests and seizures show the command’s dedication to clearing the state of illegal drugs.

“These operations send a strong message to drug traffickers that Edo State is not a safe place for their illegal business. We will keep ramping up our raids and intelligence-led operations to catch those selling and distributing drugs,” Ofoyeju said.

He also mentioned that investigations into the cases of the arrested suspects are underway. They will be charged in court when the investigations are complete.

The commander urged the public, families, and organizations to keep sharing useful information with the agency to help fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the state.