NDLEA arrests 75 suspects, seizes 16.8 tonnes of drugs in Edo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo Command, says it arrested 75 suspected drug traffickers and seized more than 16.8 tonnes of illicit substances in the state in October.
The State Commander, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Benin.
He said the suspects comprised 54 males and 21 females.
According to him, the command seized 2,496.12 kilogrammes of illicit substances and destroyed 14,322.05 kilogrammes of cannabis from eight farms covering 5.73 hectares.
Other substances recovered included 3.22kg of psychotropic substances, 0.20kg of methamphetamine, 35 cylinders of nitrous oxide, six cups of cannabis brownies and 4.1 litres of codeine syrup.
Ofoyeju said the figures were released following a charge by the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, during his official visit to the command last week.
Marwa urged officers to intensify intelligence-led operations and dismantle drug trafficking networks across the state.
Ofoyeju described the visit as a morale booster, adding that it had strengthened the command’s resolve to step up its anti-drug operations.
Among the major seizures recorded during the period was a black Toyota Camry intercepted at Otuo in Owan East Local Government Area, carrying 1,049 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 702.83kg.
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.
The commander said the destroyed cannabis farms were located in Uzebba Forest, Ukhuise-Osi Community and Ugbada Forest in Owan West; Ugboshi Ele Forest in Akoko-Edo; and Eco Camp, Illushi, in Esan South East.
On prosecution, he said the command secured six convictions and filed 14 cases in court, while 103 cases remained pending.
He added that the command’s Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit counselled 47 clients, comprising 33 males and 14 females, who were subsequently released to their families.
“Another 12 clients are undergoing rehabilitation and vocational training in tailoring, embroidery, perfume making and liquid soap production,” he said.
Ofoyeju said the command also organised 10 drug abuse sensitisation programmes in schools, worship centres, markets and public places across Benin City, reaching 5,293 people.
The participants comprised 2,324 males and 2,969 females.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling illicit drug activities in Edo, describing a drug-abuse-free society as priceless.
NAN