NDLEA arrests 29 suspects, seizes 10,359kg of drugs in Edo

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The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 29 suspects and seized 10,359kg of illicit drugs in April.

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The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the period under review was marked by decisive operational results in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

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He said the 29 suspected drug traffickers comprised 19 males and 10 females, noting that they were apprehended during targeted raids on various drug flashpoints across the state, as well as during motorised patrols.

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He said the breakdown of the 10,359.71kg of assorted narcotics includes cannabis, 9,611.69kg; psychotropic substances, 748.02kg; tramadol, 444kg; rohypnol, 25.2kg; diazepam injection, 242.82kg; bromazepam, 36kg; and codeine syrup, 20.2 litres.

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He said, “The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 29 suspects with 10,359kg of illicit drugs in the month of April.

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“Some of the spectacular seizures include the interception of two articulated trucks laden with cannabis on April 11, 2026. Both trucks were found to be conveying 483 sacks of skunk cannabis weighing 7,245kg, concealed among packs of alcoholic beverages. They reportedly left Sabongida-Ora heading to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, when they were intercepted along Auchi-Abuja Road. Five suspected drug traffickers were arrested with both trucks.

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“Similarly, on April 22, another truck branded Nigeria Labour Congress conveying tramadol and other psychotropic substances was flagged down along the Lagos-Benin Road. Upon search, it was found to contain various substances weighing 748.02kg. Two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizure.”

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Ofoyeju said the command’s prosecution unit secured five convictions and filed four new charges within the month. He added that 89 cases remain pending at the Federal High Court in Benin City, reflecting ongoing legal processes in drug-related offences.

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He said the command also provided counselling services to 13 referred clients, releasing them to their families, while continuing rehabilitation programmes for 12 others. He added that the unit conducted seven sensitisation programmes to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

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Ofoyeju also underscored the commitment of the NDLEA to dismantling drug trafficking cartels across Edo State, vowing to intensify operational efforts and community engagement.

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He commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), for continued support to the command in its efforts to rid the state of illicit drugs.

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