FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Edo State Command destroyed over 18,000 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa in a single raid targeted at cannabis cultivators in the state.
The State Commander of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, while giving a brief on the recent dislodgement of the cannabis plantation cell, disclosed that the operation was carried out on September 11 at Ugbogui Forest in Ovia South West Local Government Area.
Ofoyeju, who warned that the ugly development constitutes a serious threat to food security in the state, said “the massive operation, which was based on actionable intelligence, is posing a serious threat to food security.
“If these forests can be utilised for the cultivation of food and cash crops, the challenge of food shortage will be adequately addressed.
“This operation underscores the agency’s commitment to combat drug cultivation in the state, thereby reinforcing our efforts to rid our communities of the dangers posed by illicit drugs.”
He said the command had taken a bold step to cut off the illicit supply of cannabis with the destruction of a vast cannabis sativa plantation spanning approximately 6.79 hectares, with an estimated yield of over 16,966 kilogrammes.
Ofoyeju disclosed that the operatives recovered 112 bags of harvested and processed cannabis weighing 1,176 kilograms in the farm.
He stated that four male suspects linked to the plantation were apprehended while taking refuge at their tents located within the farm.
According to him, three of the suspects are from Akwa Ibom State, while one hails from Delta State.
He identified the suspects as Ebenizer Wang, 48 years old from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and Oshare John, 45 years old from Ughelli South, Delta State.
Others are Emmanuel Monday, 29 years old from Eket, Akwa Ibom State and David Sunday, 30 years old from Ugad, also from Akwa Ibom State.
He said investigation is underway and the suspects are expected to face charges in court soon.
Ofoyeju urged members of the public to continue to provide intelligence to assist in the fight against drug-related crimes, noting that NDLEA remains vigilant in promoting public health and safety.
