The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has apprehended 68 suspected drug traffickers with a combined weight of 7,531.51kg of narcotics in the month of August 2026.

The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, revealed that the arrest is a reflection of the unwavering commitment of the command in its mission to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse in the state.

Commander Mitchell stated that several intelligence-led operations led to the apprehension of the 68 suspected traffickers. 

“Those arrested include 34 males, 34 females. The gender balance further authenticates the fact that substance use has no respect for sex. Additionally, a staggering total of 7,531.51 kilogrammes of illicit drugs was seized and removed from circulation, marking a significant blow to drug distribution networks across the state” the state commander noted.

The breakdown of the seizures includes 7,524.83 kg of cannabis sativa, including 1,098.177 kg seized, as well as 6,433.33kg of cannabis destroyed in plantations. Others are 5.3311 kg of psychotropic substances, 0.0668 kg of methamphetamine, and 34.8 litres of codeine syrup.

Commander Mitchell expressed a strong resolve to intensify the agency’s efforts in combating drug trafficking in Edo State. “We are unwavering in our commitment to tackling the drug problem in Edo State. Our recent operations showcase our dedication to flushing out drugs from our communities and apprehending those who wish to profit from the suffering of others. We will continue to collaborate with community leaders, media organisations, and law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and health of our citizens,” he stated.

He stated that a concerted effort to tackle drug cultivation, enforcement officers identified and destroyed four cannabis farms across the state.

According to him, the farm is located at Igbanke Forest, Orhionmwon LGA, measured 0.699702 hectares with an estimated yield of 1,749.255 kg. The second farm at Igbanke Forest, Orhionmwon LGA, measured 1.15188 hectares with an estimated yield of 2,879.7 kg. The third farm at Ukaro Forest in Owan West LGA measured 0.496383 hectares with an estimated yield of 1,240.9575 kg, while the fourth farm at Ewe Forest, Owan West LGA, measured 0.225366 hectares with an estimated yield of 563.415 kg. The total size is 2.573331 hectares, with an estimated yield of 6,433.33 kg of cannabis destroyed, further demonstrating the command’s proactive stance against drug production.

He said there were no convictions because the Federal High Court is currently on vacation, but three news cases were charged, while 87 others are pending.

In addition to enforcement actions, the command said it has broadened its community outreach initiatives. “The Counselling and Treatment Rehabilitation (CTR) and Prevention Sensitisation (PS) units have been actively engaged in addressing the social repercussions of substance abuse by providing counselling to 23 clients and enrolling 12 individuals in vocational training programmes, including tailoring, perfume making, and liquid soap production.”

The commander stated further that as part of state’s commitment to prevention and education, the command executed five sensitisation programmes attended by over 2,150 male and female participants.