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

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, announced the arrest of 48 suspected drug traffickers in May.

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

The arrests included 25 males and 22 females captured during intelligence-driven operations at various drug hotspots across the state.

A review of the seizures showed that cannabis sativa was the main substance, with 540.6253 kg. Other drugs taken 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 stated, "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 noted that the command’s legal unit secured three convictions in court. They filed five new cases, and 94 cases are still pending at the Federal High Court in Benin City.

Ofoyeju pointed out that the biggest seizure was from Lucky Omen, who had a large bag of cannabis sativa weighing 27.3kg. 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 possessed 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 2 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."

In terms of reducing drug demand, Ofoyeju said the command counselled 31 clients, including 24 males and seven females. They have been released to their families, while eight others are currently in rehabilitation.

He mentioned that the unit held five sensitisation programs during the month. One of these was the Benin City Teens and Youth Invasion program, where the commander spoke on the topic Drug Abuse Among Youth: Causes, Effects and Preventive Measures.

Ofoyeju praised the officers for their alertness and professionalism. He explained that the arrests and seizures show the command’s dedication to eliminating illicit drugs in the state.

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

He added that investigations have started into the cases of the arrested suspects. They will be taken to court when the investigations are complete.

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