Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State have uncovered 489 kilogrammes of dried weeds suspected to be skunk cannabis abandoned inside a shrine. The discovery was made during a coordinated raid on Igwe Community in Owan East Local Council on May 22, 2026.
NDLEA Commander Reveals Details
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed in a statement that the seizure followed credible intelligence. He noted that the illicit substances were allegedly abandoned by members of a drug syndicate operating in the area. The prime suspect, a notorious drug baron identified as Asrenre, is currently at large.
According to Ofoyeju, the operation led to the recovery of 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilogrammes, along with nine kilogrammes of cannabis seeds. The exhibits were found abandoned inside a shrine, where the suspect had reportedly concealed them.
Despite resistance from some youths in the community who claimed the location was a sacred home of their deities, NDLEA officers insisted on conducting the search. The bags of cannabis were subsequently discovered.
Agency Vows to Pursue Drug Traffickers
Ofoyeju emphasised that the NDLEA would continue to pursue drug traffickers regardless of where illicit substances are hidden. “The NDLEA Act empowers us to search anywhere narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are believed to have been concealed. We will continue to stay ahead of drug criminals through superior intelligence and compliance with standard operating procedures,” he stated.
Related Arrests
In a related operation within the same community, NDLEA operatives arrested a 50-year-old suspect, Sunday Oghaimen, who was allegedly found in possession of 945 grammes of cannabis and 19 grammes of Tramadol. Also apprehended was Esther Igbafe, 33, who was allegedly found in possession of 874 grammes of cannabis, 19 grammes of Tramadol, and three grammes of Swinol.
Ofoyeju confirmed that all suspects have been taken into custody, while the exhibits were properly documented and secured. He added that investigations into the source of the drugs and the criminal network involved have commenced. “We are working to track all links to the fleeing drug baron, Asrenre, and ensure he is brought to justice,” he said.
The Edo State commander also disclosed that the agency has launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.
