Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a massive cache of illicit drugs weighing 498 kilograms, concealed within a shrine in Edo State, in a major crackdown on drug trafficking in the region.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, revealing that the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence.
According to Ofoyeju, the raid took place on May 22, 2026, at Igwe Community in Owan East Local Government Area, where operatives discovered 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, along with an additional nine kilograms of cannabis seeds hidden inside the shrine.
He noted that the illicit drugs were allegedly stored by a suspected drug baron identified as Asrenre, who fled the scene and is currently at large.
“The exhibits were abandoned by the prime suspect, a notorious drug baron known as Asrenre, who is now on the run,” Ofoyeju stated.
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The NDLEA commander further revealed that the operation initially faced resistance from some youths in the community, who claimed the shrine was a sacred site inhabited by deities.
Despite the opposition, operatives proceeded with the search, leading to the discovery of the concealed drugs.
In a related development, NDLEA operatives arrested two suspected drug traffickers in separate operations within the same community.
A 50-year-old suspect, identified as Sunday Oghaimen, was apprehended with 945 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of Tramadol. Similarly, a 33-year-old woman, Esther Igbafe, was arrested with 874 grams of cannabis, 19 grams of Tramadol, and three grams of Swinol.
“All suspects are currently in custody, while the recovered exhibits have been properly documented and secured,” Ofoyeju confirmed.
He added that investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the drugs and dismantle the wider criminal network linked to the fleeing suspect.
The NDLEA has also launched a manhunt to apprehend Asrenre and bring him to justice.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Ofoyeju stated, “The NDLEA remains resolute in its efforts to rid Edo State of illicit drugs and protect communities from the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.”
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