29 suspected drug peddlers arrested as NDLEA recovers 10,359kg of illicit drugs in Edo

Thursday, May 7, 2026 - Operatives of the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested 29 suspected traffickers with 10,359 kilograms of narcotic drugs.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the agency, disclosed this on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, while reeling out the scorecard of the agency for the month of April.

Ofoyeju said the achievement within the period was marked by decisive operational results in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

He said that the arrested suspects comprised 19 males and 10 females.

He added that the suspects were apprehended during targeted raids on various drug flashpoints across the state, as well as motorised patrols.

The Edo State NDLEA boss gave the breakdown of the seized narcotics as 9,611.69kg of cannabis, 748.02kg of psychotropic substances, 444kg of tramadol, 25.2kg of rohypnol, 242.82kg of diazepam injection, 36kg of bromazepam, 0.00kg of methamphetamine, and 20.2 litres of codeine syrup.

Ofoyeju also said the agency identified and destroyed a cannabis farm located at Egbeta Forest Saboro Camp in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, measuring 0.912574 hectares, which is estimated to yield approximately 2,281.435kg of cannabis.

He added that the command secured five convictions and filed four new charges within the month.

He further stated that 89 cases were currently pending at the Federal High Court in Benin City, reflecting the ongoing legal battle against drug-related offences.

Ofoyeju assured that the command is determined to address drug demand and has provided counselling services to 13 referred clients, releasing them to their families while continuing rehabilitation programmes for 12 others.

He further disclosed that the unit conducted seven sensitisation programmes aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

Ofoyeju said the achievements underscored the commitment of the NDLEA to dismantling drug trafficking cartels across Edo State, vowing to intensify operational efforts and community engagement.