By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 49 suspected drug traffickers and seized more than 2.5 tonnes of illicit drugs during operations carried out across the state in July.
The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this at the command headquarters in Benin City during the decoration ceremony for 73 newly promoted officers.
Ofoyeju revealed that women accounted for the majority of those arrested, with 29 female suspects and 20 male suspects taken into custody during the period under review.
He said the command recovered 2,596.29 kilogrammes of illicit substances, describing the trend as a reflection of the growing socio-economic vulnerability of women and the weakening of traditional family structures.
According to him, operatives uncovered three warehouses used for drug storage—two in Benin City and one in Illushi—while intercepting two vehicles allegedly used to transport cannabis.
He said cannabis dominated the seizures, accounting for 2,588.4 kilogrammes, while other recovered substances included psychotropic drugs, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.
The commander added that operatives also confiscated 15.3 litres of codeine syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), highlighting the wide range of narcotics being trafficked in the state.
Ofoyeju further disclosed that the command destroyed a cannabis plantation covering 0.640903 hectares in Egbisi Forest, Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, with an estimated yield of 1,602.26 kilogrammes of cannabis.
He noted that the command also secured convictions in four drug-related cases during the month.
Speaking during the decoration of the 73 promoted officers, Ofoyeju said the promotions were earned through diligence, integrity, loyalty and commitment to duty.
He reminded the officers that their new ranks come with greater responsibility and urged them to remain professional and committed in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
“Your promotion is a call to higher service. The public expects more from you, and criminal elements will continue to test your resolve. You must justify the confidence reposed in you through dedication and excellence,” he said.
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