The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency destroyed 73,463.21 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances worth N2.8 billion in Edo State on Thursday.
Cannabis sativa made up the bulk of the haul at 73,210.23 kilogrammes. Other substances burned in Benin City included 246.36 kilogrammes of psychotropic drugs such as Tramadol, Diazepam and Codeine cough syrup, alongside 2.66 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, 3.74 kilogrammes of cocaine and 0.22 kilogrammes of heroin.
Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, represented by Director of Operations Suleiman Ningi, said the exercise reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking and abuse.
He thanked the Edo State Government for allocating 20 plots of land for a new model state command headquarters.
Marwa stressed that the destruction was more than burning contraband. It was a public statement that the agency would continue to target drugs fuelling crime, insecurity and public health problems.
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Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by Edesili Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, described the fight against illicit drugs as a battle for the nation’s soul.
He promised continued collaboration and announced plans for a modern rehabilitation centre for people recovering from substance use.
Senator Joseph Ikpea of Edo Central commended the NDLEA’s interdiction efforts and pledged legislative support for better funding, welfare and equipment.
Edo State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju also highlighted recent seizures and arrests, noting that operatives had intercepted trucks, uncovered drugs hidden in shrines, and faced attacks from armed criminals.
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