The Edo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said its personnel arrested 44 suspected traffickers and seized 2,059.83kg of illicit drugs in November.
This was stated by Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, State Commander of the agency, at a press conference on Thursday in Benin. said the command’s heightened intelligence-driven operations were strategically executed to ensure a peaceful and safe holiday season across the state.
He said the arrested suspects included 21 men and 23 women, adding that the agency was concerned about the alarming rate at which young people were getting involved in drugs, especially women.
“This is a negative fact if we take into account the strategic role of women in building the nation,” he warned.
He said the commando’s haul in November included 2,058.79kg of cannabis, along with tramadol, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, codeine-based syrup, flunitrazepam, diazepam, swinol and danabol (Molly).
The NDLEA boss said the agency also discovered and destroyed a 0.58 hectare cannabis farm in Igbeshi Forest, Imiakebo, Etsako West, with an estimated yield of 1,459.745kg of cannabis.
“Our operations during the month under review have dealt significant blows to the drug cartels.
“44 suspects, both men and women, were arrested and substantial quantities of drugs weighing 2,059.83 kg were seized.
“This sends a clear message to those involved in drug trafficking to desist now or face the full power of the law,” he said.
The commander revealed that the command secured 17 convictions in November, with 126 cases currently pending at the Benin Federal High Court.
On the rehabilitation front, he said the agency counseled 21 clients as part of its drug demand reduction efforts, while highlighting operational challenges, particularly the difficult terrain used for cannabis cultivation, Ofoyeju emphasized the need to improve logistics to access and eradicate remote plantations.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting the public from the dangers of drug trafficking and substance abuse.