FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Determined to reduce the drug problem in Edo State, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said yesterday that 209 suspected drug traffickers were arrested at different locations in the state, following evidence based intelligence.
Edo State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju disclosed this to newsmen in Benin, as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme, ‘The Evidence is clear: Invest in Prevention.’
He stated that the war against illicit drugs remains a top priority for the agency.
According to Ofoyeju, the command had arrested 209 suspected drug traffickers, destroyed 18 cannabis farms, secured the conviction of 24 drug offenders and provided counseling and rehabilitation services to 194 and 19 clients with drug abuse disorders.
He added that 53,520.80kg of drugs were seized in the state since January, noting that the seizure underscored the unyielding stance against drug trafficking and abuse.
He stated that evidence-led operations culminated in the arrest of 209 suspected drug traffickers, consisting of 129 males and 80 females.
“Two of the suspects were picked up at Ihama Road within the Government Reservation Area, GRA, which is notorious for drug peddling.
“The rigorous operations culminating in remarkable seizures of various narcotics are aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of residents,” Ofoyeju said.
He assured that the ongoing onslaught is aimed at dislodging every drug joint, identifying and evacuating illicit drug warehouses, and destroying cannabis plantations through constant raid operations.
