Police catch couple with large cannabis stash in Benin

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a couple and seized over 412 kilograms of cannabis in Benin.

The NDLEA command in Edo made the arrests during a raid on a suspected drug warehouse. This warehouse was allegedly operated from a house along Sapele Road.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, the NDLEA commander in Edo, gave details of the arrests on Monday. He spoke to reporters about recent successes in their operations.

Mr Ofoyeju said the operation came after reliable information about the suspects’ alleged role in drug trafficking.

He identified the suspects as Christian Chukwuka, 32, and his wife, Nwanneka Christian, 33. Both are from Ndokwa in Delta State.

“We arrested a husband and wife, Christian Chukwuka, 32 years old, and Nwanneka Christian, 33 years old, at the illegal warehouse,” Mr Ofoyeju said.

He added that the couple was reportedly dealing in narcotic drugs from the warehouse before the NDLEA operatives caught them.

“The arrest and seizure show the growing worry about drug trafficking and abuse,” the commander said.

According to him, operatives found 22 bags of skunk weighing 219.5 kilograms in the suspected warehouse. They also recovered compressed blocks of Canadian Loud, weighing 192.67 kilograms, during the operation.

The total seizure amounted to more than 412 kilograms of cannabis, marking a major win for the NDLEA.

Mr Ofoyeju called the operation a breakthrough in their efforts to take down drug trafficking networks in Edo.

“Our fight against drug trafficking continues. We will investigate this case thoroughly and ensure justice is served,” he said.

The commander mentioned that investigations are still ongoing. He added that the suspects would face charges in court after the investigations are complete.

Mr Chukwuka blamed his alleged involvement in the drug trade on unemployment and financial struggles.

“I am a secondary school graduate, and I learnt how to drive trucks, but joblessness pushed me into drug trafficking,” he said.

He explained that a friend introduced him to the illegal trade. He also mentioned that financial pressures from supporting his family made things worse.

“My wife has a set of twins for me, and the pressure of financial upkeep has been tough.

“If given another chance, I promise not to deal in drugs again,” Mr Chukwuka said.