The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 26 suspected drug traffickers and recovered a staggering 41,410.53 kilogrammes of illicit substances during its operations in Edo State in August 2025.
The State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in Benin while presenting the monthly progress report on Friday.
He said the intensified clampdown also led to the destruction of large cannabis farms and the dismantling of notorious drug joints across the state.
According to him, the arrested suspects comprise 22 men and four women.
Cannabis accounted for the bulk of the seizures, with 41,387.36kg recovered, representing over 99 per cent of the haul.
Other substances included Tramadol (22.253kg), Swinol (0.3085kg), Danabol (0.0117kg), Diazepam (0.5163kg), Methamphetamine (0.0811kg), 400ml of Pentazocine and 10 litres of codeine syrup.
“In a concerted effort against cannabis cultivation, the command destroyed four illegal plantations covering 15.85 hectares in the Ebule Forest, Owan West Local Government Area,” Ofoyeju stated.
“The destroyed farms had an estimated yield of about 39,631.83kg of cannabis.”
One of the major breakthroughs, he noted, was the evacuation of 69 bags of skunk, a potent cannabis strain, from a three-bedroom bungalow in Uzebba, Owan West.
A 54-year-old woman, identified as Fodo Stella Sunday, was arrested in connection with the seizure.
Similarly, operatives stormed a notorious drug base at RCC Junction, Sapele Road, Benin City, where three suspects were arrested.
They were found in possession of 2.05kg of cannabis, 46 grammes of methamphetamine, 52 grammes of Swinol, 5 grammes of Danabol, 745 grammes of Tramadol and 0.4 litres of codeine.
The suspects were identified as 41-year-old Itua Oselumen from Esan West, Edo State; 38-year-old Rabiu Yusuf from Nasarawa LGA of Kano State; and 24-year-old Fahad Ahmed from Malumfashi, Katsina State.
Although the command recorded no convictions in August due to the Federal High Court vacation, Ofoyeju said six cases were already filed in court and would be pursued vigorously.
He urged residents of Edo State to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that the fight against drug trafficking and abuse requires collective action.
“The achievements recorded in August reflect our proactive approach to tackling drug-related crimes, and we are determined to sustain the momentum,” he added.
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