No fewer than 39 suspected drug traffickers have been arrested with 2,477.59 kilograms of narcotics by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Edo State Comman.
State Commander of NDLE, Mitchell Ofoyeju disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday in Benin City, while presenting the operational scorecard for the month of October.
Ofoyeju gave the breakdown of the arrested suspects as 27 males and 12 females.
He added that three cannabis sativa farms measuring 6.711192 hectares, with an estimated yield of 16,777.98 kg, were also destroyed within the period under review.
He also provided the breakdown of the total seized drugs as follows: Cannabis Sativa: 2,476.87 kg, Tramadol: 0.3575 kg, Nitrazepam: 0.068 kg, Bromazepam: 0.8141 kg, Diazepam: 0.084 kg, Swinol: 0.0036 kg, Danabol (Molly): 0.013 kg, Methamphetamine (abandoned): 0.0465 kg, Codeine Syrup: 0.1 litre.
Ofoyeju added that three cannabis farms located in Ugbodo Forest in Ovia North East Local Government Area, covering an area of 6.71 hectares with an estimated yield of 16,777.98kg of illegal crops, were destroyed.
He explained that the report, which covered drug trafficking and drug demand reduction within the state, highlighted the ongoing significant progress recorded in combatting the drug trade in Edo State.
“Our commitment remains steadfast as we continue to enforce the law, educate members of the public and rehabilitate individuals who have problems using drugs. The fight against drug trafficking is relentless and those who continue to engage in this illegal trade will face not only heightened enforcement, but also stiffer penalties,” he said.
The NDLEA commander added that the command’s prosecution unit also made significant strides in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
He said the month of October saw the conviction of 11 individuals involved in drug-related offences and the charging of 11 new cases in courts.
He noted that there are currently, 121 pending cases at the Federal High Court in Benin City.
Ofoyeju also emphasised that the command is committed to drug demand reduction, providing counseling to 22 individuals with drug abuse challenges.
He reaffirmed the command’s dedication to dismantle drug trafficking cartels through ongoing operations and community engagement, aimed at fostering a safer environment free from the challenges posed by drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
