Major Drug Bust in Edo as NDLEA Intensifies Crackdown
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has recorded a significant victory in its war against illicit substances, apprehending 39 suspected drug traffickers and confiscating a massive 2,477.59 kilograms of narcotic drugs. State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju revealed these details in an operational scorecard for October 2025, released to the media in Benin on Monday.
Details of the Arrests and Seizures
The suspects, comprising 27 males and 12 females, were arrested in various operations across the state. A comprehensive breakdown of the seized drugs shows that Cannabis Sativa constituted the bulk of the haul at 2,476.87 kg. Other substances recovered include Tramadol (0.3575 kg), Nitrazepam (0.068 kg), Bromazepam (0.8141 kg), Diazepam (0.084 kg), Swinol (0.0036 kg), Danabol, also known as Molly (0.013 kg), Methamphetamine (0.0465 kg), and Codeine Syrup (0.1 litre).
In a parallel offensive against drug cultivation, NDLEA operatives located and destroyed three cannabis sativa farms in the Ugbodo Forest, situated in the Ovia North East Local Government Area. These farms covered a total land area of 6.711192 hectares and had an estimated yield potential of 16,777.98 kg of the illegal plant.
Legal Proceedings and Agency's Resolve
The command's prosecution unit was equally active during the period under review. The agency secured the conviction of eleven individuals for drug-related offences and filed eleven new cases in court. As of now, 121 cases are pending at the Federal High Court in Benin City.
Reiterating the agency's commitment, the statement emphasized a multi-pronged approach. "Our commitment remains steadfast as we continue to enforce the law, educate members of the public, and rehabilitate affected individuals who have problems using drugs," the command stated. It issued a stern warning to traffickers: "The fight against drug trafficking is relentless, and those who continue to engage in this illegal trade will face not only heightened enforcement but also stiffer penalties."
Fatal Clash in Owan West
In a separate but related incident highlighting the dangers of the anti-drug campaign, a clash erupted between NDLEA operatives and suspected drug barons in Okpuje, Uzeba community, within Owan West Local Government Area. The violent confrontation, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the tragic death of a 16-year-old boy, Emmanuel Monday George. Two other individuals, God'spower Omage (20) and Ajayi Irobia (54), sustained serious injuries during the gun duel.
Commander Ofoyeju confirmed that one NDLEA officer was also injured after being struck on the hand with a sharp object. This incident is a grim reminder of the risks faced by security personnel, following a recent attack on both Army and NDLEA officers in the same area.
