The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has arrested 68 suspected drug traffickers and seized 7,531.51kg of illicit drugs in the state in August 2026.

The command also destroyed four cannabis farms measuring a total of 2.573331 hectares, with an estimated yield of 6,433.33kg of cannabis.

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this while presenting the command’s August 2026 scorecard, describing the results as a reflection of the agency’s unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and substance abuse in the state.

According to him, the arrests were made through several intelligence-led operations carried out across the state.

Ofoyeju said the 68 suspects comprised 34 males and 34 females, adding that the gender balance further demonstrated that substance abuse and drug trafficking cut across gender.

He said: “Those arrested include 34 males and 34 females. The gender balance further authenticates the fact that substance use has no respect for sex.

“Additionally, a staggering total of 7,531.51kg of illicit drugs was seized and removed from circulation, marking a significant blow to drug distribution networks across the state.”

The commander said the seizures comprised 7,524.83kg of Cannabis sativa, including 1,098.177kg seized during operations and 6,433.33kg of cannabis destroyed in plantations.

Other substances seized included 5.3311kg of psychotropic substances, 0.0668kg of methamphetamine and 34.8 litres of codeine syrup.

Ofoyeju expressed the command’s determination to intensify its operations against drug trafficking and illicit drug cultivation in Edo State.

He said: “We are unwavering in our commitment to tackling the drug problem in Edo State. Our recent operations showcase our dedication to flushing out drugs from our communities and apprehending those who wish to profit from the suffering of others.

“We will continue to collaborate with community leaders, media organisations and law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and health of our citizens.”

In a renewed effort to tackle illicit drug cultivation, NDLEA operatives identified and destroyed four cannabis farms across the state.

The first farm, located at Igbanke Forest in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, measured 0.699702 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,749.255kg.

The second farm, also located at Igbanke Forest, Orhionmwon LGA, measured 1.15188 hectares, with an estimated yield of 2,879.7kg.

The third farm, located at Ukaro Forest in Owan West LGA, measured 0.496383 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,240.9575kg.

The fourth farm, at Ewe Forest, Owan West LGA, measured 0.225366 hectares, with an estimated yield of 563.415kg.

The four farms had a combined size of 2.573331 hectares and an estimated yield of 6,433.33kg of cannabis, which was destroyed by the operatives.

The command said the destruction of the farms demonstrated its proactive approach to tackling cannabis cultivation and disrupting the supply chain at the production level.

On prosecution, the command recorded no conviction during the month because the Federal High Court was on vacation. However, three new cases were charged, while 87 cases remained pending before the court.

Beyond enforcement, the command said it had intensified its community-based intervention programmes through its Counselling and Treatment Rehabilitation (CTR) and Prevention Sensitisation (PS) units.

The units counselled 23 clients and enrolled 12 individuals in vocational training programmes, including tailoring, perfume making and liquid soap production.

As part of its prevention and public education efforts, the command also conducted five sensitisation programmes attended by more than 2,150 male and female participants across the state. (The Sun)