The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Tuesday said it arrested 54 suspects with 1,506.57kg of various narcotic drugs in September.
In a statement by the Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, on Tuesday, he said that the command also destroyed 66,078.57kg of skunk cannabis.
Ofoyeju stated this while presenting the operational scorecard of the command in Benin, the state capital.
He noted that the command recorded significant successes in its September operations.
He said, “Our intelligence-led operations led to the significant arrest of 54 suspected drug traffickers, 43 males and 11 females. In a proactive measure to curb cannabis cultivation, six illicit plantations spanning over 26.43 hectares were destroyed.
“They were located at Ugbogui Forest, Ovia South West LGA; Ataroro Forest, Owan West LGA; Urohi Forest, Esan West LGA; and Ogu Forest, Iguiben LGA, of Edo State, with an estimated yield of 66,078.5715 kg of skunk cannabis. The command also intercepted 1,506.57kg of illicit drugs.
“The breakdown of the seized drugs is as follows: Cannabis Sativa 1,502. 26 Kg, psychotropic substances 4.27kg, including tramadol 3.964kg, nitrazepam 0.087kg, Swinol 0.0445kg, Danabol (Molly) 0.1163kg, methamphetamine 0.0184 Kg, cocaine 0.028 kg, and heroin 0.014kg.
“Some of the interesting cases include the interception of a truck along Wareke-Auchi Road, conveying 82 bags of cannabis concealed in bags of charcoal with a total weight of 1,025kg. Two suspects, Kabiru Abdulahi, 35 years old, male, from Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara, and Anas Safiyanu, 20 years old, male, from Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have been apprehended in connection with the drug seizure.”
He further stated that in another raid operation at a drug flashpoint along the Wire Road, Benin City, one suspected male drug trafficker, Etiosa Bazuaye, 43 years old from Uhumwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, was apprehended with 98 pinches of crack cocaine weighing 13 grams hidden in a wooden stool.
Ofoyeju stated that due to the annual court vacation, one conviction was secured in drug-related cases, while four additional cases have been charged, and 118 cases are ongoing at the Federal High Court in Benin City.
He said the command provided counselling services to 32 persons, including rehabilitation support for 10 clients. He stated that community engagement initiatives were also carried out, such as sensitisation programmes at various market locations and schools across the state.
According to Ofoyeju, anti-drug campaigns also reached the Nigerian Correctional Service and secondary schools with the aim of educating the public on the dangers of drug abuse.
He said the command continues to face challenges, particularly with the difficult terrain of cannabis cultivation requiring stronger operational vehicles to effectively navigate the forests.
Ofoyeju expressed determination in the command’s campaign against drug trafficking, reiterating the importance of strategic operations in safeguarding communities and reducing drug demand.
As Edo State continues to grapple with the pressing issues of drug trafficking and abuse, the recent successes signify a critical step toward reclaiming the safety and health of its citizens.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the command under Ofoyeju had consistently ensured that drug peddlers did not have a field day in the state.
He is also collaborating with the state government and other stakeholders to ensure he rids the state of drug trafficking and abuse.
PUNCH.
