Officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Edo State Command, have arrested three male suspects in a cannabis sativa plantation in the Ukaro Forest of Owan West Local Government Area.

The Edo State Commander of the agency, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement in Benin City.

According to him, the plantation was swiftly destroyed, and a sample of the cannabis plant stems alongside half a bag of processed cannabis was seized.

Dr. Ofoyejuh also said that the NDLEA officers, in another operation at Ihumudumu in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, successfully recovered 319 bottles of codeine cough syrup, 1,340 capsules of tramadol, 344 tablets of Rohypnol, and 222 tablets of Danabol from an illicit drug warehouse.

He noted that while no arrests were made in the operation in Ekpoma, NDLEA officials are actively pursuing the suspected owner of the drugs.

The Edo State NDLEA commander added that in another raid on the same day in Benin City, two male suspects were apprehended for being in possession of ‘Canadian Loud,’ a potent strain of synthetic cannabis.

Meanwhile, the Edo State commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju has emphasised the need for young people to engage in constructive activities and become informed about the risks associated with drug use.

Dr. Ofoyeju made the remark in Benin City, at the inaugural National Youth Camp of the Scout Association of Nigeria with the theme “Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development: Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Future.”

He emphasised that empowering youth is not just about education, but also about providing them with the skills and support they need to make informed choices.

The NDLEA commander encouraged citizens to always be conscious about the activities of traffickers and report any incident of drug abuse.

He expressed belief that with ongoing investigations and a strong resolve, the NDLEA remains dedicated to fostering a drug-free society and supporting the development of a responsible and empowered youth for a brighter future.

The National Youth Camp of the Scout Association of Nigeria which attracted participants from Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, and Delta States, fostered collaboration and learning among the youths.