By Stephen Simon
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 68 suspected drug offenders and impounded over 7,531 kilograms of illicit substances across the state in August 2026.
The suspects, comprising an equal split of 34 males and 34 females, were apprehended during a series of tactical operations designed to dismantle drug trafficking networks and curb substance abuse within the state.
Confirming the figures, Edo State NDLEA Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju stated that cannabis accounted for the vast majority of the seizures, totaling 7,524.83kg. Out of this quantity, officers directly seized 1,098.18kg from suspects, while 6,433.33kg was destroyed following raids on illicit farms. Other substances recovered included 5.33kg of psychotropic drugs, 0.0668kg of methamphetamine, and 34.8 liters of codeine syrup.
As part of the command’s farmland destruction operations, officers discovered and eradicated four cannabis plantations spanning 2.57 hectares across the Igbanke Forest in Orhionmwon Local Government Area (LGA), alongside the Ukaro and Ewe Forests in Owan West LGA.
Commander Ofoyeju noted that while no convictions were secured in August due to the Federal High Court’s annual vacation, the command filed three new cases, bringing the total number of pending drug-related prosecutions in the state to 87.
Parallel to its enforcement actions, the command maintained its rehabilitation and preventive mandates. During the month under review, 23 individuals received drug counselling, while 12 underwent vocational skills training in tailoring, perfume manufacturing, and liquid soap production. Additionally, over 2,150 residents participated in five community sensitization programs organized to educate the public on the hazards of drug abuse.
Ofoyeju reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining anti-narcotic operations while strengthening partnerships with traditional rulers, media outlets, and sister security agencies to rid the state of illicit drugs.
