Ayomide Ade
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested three suspected drug dealers during a raid on a notorious drug trafficking hotspot along Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City, Edo State.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the agency’s Edo State Command, also led to the recovery of suspected illicit substances, including synthetic cannabis, popularly known as Cannabis Loud, and six cylinders of nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas.
The raid reportedly disrupted activities around the notorious location, which had become a haven for drug peddlers, suspected traffickers and commercial sex workers.
According to the agency, young men were frequently seen selling illicit substances openly to motorists in the area, while some residents and visitors had reportedly fallen into drug addiction.
The NDLEA said the operation was part of sustained efforts to dismantle drug distribution networks and rid the state of illicit substances.
One of the suspects, identified as 26-year-old Omoreghan Paul, was allegedly found in possession of 3.17 grammes of Cannabis Loud.
The other two suspects, Omoruyi Osarobo, from Orhionmwon Local Government Area, and Obed Osagie, from Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, were reportedly arrested with six cylinders of nitrous oxide.
The agency disclosed that the operation had forced suspected drug dealers, miscreants and commercial sex workers to abandon the area following the deployment of a patrol team for round-the-clock stop-and-search operations.
Speaking on the development, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the operation followed a directive by the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), to flush out drug peddlers and individuals allegedly providing cover for illicit drug activities.
Ofoyeju described the operation as successful, adding that the command would intensify its enforcement activities to prevent drug traffickers from regrouping.
“The directive of the Chairman to flush out drug peddlers and commercial sex workers who give cover to illicit drug activities has yielded positive results, but this operation will be intensified and sustained.
“No stone will be left unturned in ensuring a drug-free Edo State,” he said.
The commander warned that the state would no longer provide a safe haven for drug traffickers and dealers, assuring residents that the command would sustain its crackdown.
He also called for the cooperation of stakeholders and members of the public, stressing that collective efforts were necessary to tackle drug trafficking, substance abuse and their associated social consequences.
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to the nationwide campaign against illicit drugs and urged residents to support efforts to rid communities of drug-related activities.
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