NDLEA destroys five cannabis farms, arrests three suspects in Edo State

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Edo State has arrested three suspected drug traffickers and destroyed five cannabis farms.

This information was shared on Monday in a statement by the state commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju. He made this known to journalists in Benin, the capital of Edo State.

Ofoyeju warned that cannabis farms are slowly taking over the forests. He urged Local Government chairmen in the state to work with the NDLEA to stop the illegal farming of cannabis.

He said the command has stepped up its efforts against drug-related activities. Successful operations led to the destruction of the cannabis farms and the arrest of the suspects. The command also intercepted large amounts of psychotropic substances like tramadol, codeine cough syrups, and diazepam.

"We have arrested three suspected drug traffickers and destroyed five cannabis farms. The cannabis farms are gradually taking over our forests, and I am calling on the local government chairmen to collaborate with the NDLEA to stem the illicit cultivation of cannabis.

"We cannot continue this way because what began as a little garden is turning into a large plantation. These farms were destroyed in the past two weeks. Chairmen of local government councils are closer to the people, and we need their active collaboration,” Mitchell stated.

The statement added, "A total of five cannabis farms were discovered and destroyed. Two farms covering 0.928744 hectares were found at Monday Camp, Usen Forest in Ovia South West Local Government Area. Another two farms of 1.004278 hectares were located at Igwe-Oke Forest in Owan East Local Government Area. One more farm measuring 0.336646 hectares was detected at Ogboha Forest in Owan West Local Government Area. In total, the plantations covered 2.269668 hectares with an estimated yield of 5,674.17kg. During the raid at Ogboha Forest, a 39-year-old suspect, Sunday Segun, was caught at the scene.

"At Bob-Izua Park, New Road in Okada town, one Hassan Mohammed was arrested with 7.1kg of cannabis. He also had three dangerous knives and charms on him. The fight against psychotropic substances has also seen significant progress.”

The command's anti-narcotics officers, during a patrol in Auchi, stopped a vehicle containing a large amount of illegal drugs.

"The haul included 590 bottles of codeine syrup, 50,000 capsules of Tramadol 100 mg, 100 tablets of Tramadol 225 mg, and 25,000 tablets of Diazepam. A 25-year-old, Jamie Zubaru, was arrested and is helping narcotic officers with further investigation,” he added.

Ofoyeju said that the NDLEA Command in the state remains dedicated to its goal of ending the illegal drug trade, improving public safety, and promoting community health.