The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 49 suspected drug traffickers and seized a total of 2,596.29 kilograms of illicit substances in July 2026.
The State Commandant, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in Benin City during the decoration ceremony of 73 newly promoted operatives.
According to him, the suspects include 29 females and 20 males, raising concerns about the increasing involvement of women in drug-related crimes.
Ofoyeju noted that the trend reflects growing socio-economic vulnerabilities and a weakening of traditional family structures.
He further revealed that three warehouses used for drug storage were uncovered and raided within the period—two located in Benin City and one in Illushi. In addition, two vehicles—a Toyota Sienna and a Toyota Camry—were intercepted while transporting cannabis.
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Providing a breakdown of the seizures, the commandant stated that cannabis accounted for the bulk with 2,588.4 kilograms.
Other substances recovered include 6.13 kilograms of psychotropic drugs, 0.071 kilograms of cocaine, 0.005 kilograms of heroin, and 1.68 kilograms of methamphetamine. Authorities also seized 15.3 litres of codeine syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.
In a move to curb drug production, the agency destroyed a cannabis farm located in the Egbisi forest in Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
Ofoyeju added that the command secured convictions in four major drug-related cases within the month, while 24 individuals battling substance abuse were rehabilitated and reunited with their families.
He emphasized that the NDLEA remains committed to a comprehensive approach that combines enforcement, prosecution, and rehabilitation in tackling drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State.
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