NDLEA seizes 125 bags of cannabis during a raid in Edo

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, have seized 125 bags of dried weeds suspected to be skunk cannabis, weighing a total of 1,378kg.

The state commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, adding that one suspect was also arrested during the raid.

He said a team of NDLEA officers raided a warehouse in the Igbanke community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, where the drugs were discovered and confiscated. Ofoyeju confirmed that the operation led to the seizure of 125 bags of dried weeds suspected to be skunk cannabis, with a combined weight of 1,378kg.

According to the statement, a 37-year-old suspect, Roland Owie, a native of Igbanke community, was arrested in connection with the seizure.

Speaking on the significance of the operation, Ofoyeju emphasised that the bust represents a critical victory in the ongoing fight against substance abuse and the illicit drug trade.

“This successful operation is a testament to our relentless pursuit of drug cartels and our strategic focus on supply suppression.

“The seizure of 125 bags of dry cannabis weighing 1,378 kilograms in a single operation represents a significant blow to the distribution network of these harmful substances.

“The importance of intercepting such a large quantity is highlighted by the fact that it prevents drugs from reaching our streets, schools, and communities, thereby protecting countless young people from the devastating scourge of addiction.”

The commander further stated that drug supply suppression remains a cornerstone of the NDLEA’s strategy.

“While we continue our demand reduction efforts through advocacy and rehabilitation, cutting off the source is paramount. Every kilogram seized disrupts the criminal economy, weakens trafficking syndicates, and makes our society safer.

“This arrest and seizure send a clear message to all drug barons that Edo State is not a haven for illicit activities. We have zero tolerance, and our intelligence and operational capabilities are robust.”

Ofoyeju commended the professionalism and diligence of his officers for the outstanding performance of the Edo State Command and urged the public to continue supporting the agency by providing useful information.

He noted that the operation, executed based on credible intelligence, underscores the NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to drug supply suppression.

PUNCH Metro reported that the command had announced last Tuesday the seizure of illicit drugs worth N1.8bn in the first three months of the year.

Ofoyeju, while presenting the command’s first-quarter operational scorecard in Benin City, said 18,380 kilograms of drugs were recovered from 104 suspected traffickers, comprising 71 males and 33 females.

He explained that the 18,380kg of drugs recovered included 5,825kg seized and 12,556kg of cannabis destroyed on 10 farms covering 5.0226 hectares.