The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has arrested 68 suspected drug traffickers and seized 7,531.51 kilogrammes of illicit drugs in intelligence-led operations across the state in August 2026.
The arrests, which involved 34 males and 34 females, were part of the command’s sustained efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and prevent illicit substances from reaching communities across Edo State.
Edo State Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the figures in the command’s August 2026 scorecard, describing the operations as a demonstration of the agency’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and substance abuse.
According to Ofoyeju, 7,524.83kg of Cannabis sativa accounted for the bulk of the seizures. The command also seized 5.3311kg of psychotropic substances, 0.0668kg of methamphetamine and 34.8 litres of codeine syrup.
The commander said the seizures represented a significant disruption to drug distribution networks operating across the state.
“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,” Ofoyeju said.
He added that the command would continue to work with community leaders, media organisations and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Beyond drug seizures and arrests, the NDLEA also intensified its offensive against illicit drug cultivation, identifying and destroying four cannabis farms covering a combined 2.573331 hectares across Edo State.
The farms, according to the command, had an estimated combined yield of 6,433.33kg of cannabis, which was destroyed during enforcement operations.
One of the farms, located in Igbanke Forest, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, measured 0.699702 hectares with an estimated yield of 1,749.255kg.
A second farm, also in Igbanke Forest, covered 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 and had an estimated yield of 1,240.9575kg, while the fourth farm at Ewe Forest, Owan West LGA, measured 0.225366 hectares with an estimated yield of 563.415kg.
Ofoyeju said the destruction of the plantations underscored the command’s proactive approach to cutting off drug production at its source.
On prosecution, the commander said three new cases were charged during the month, while 87 cases remained pending.
He explained that there were no convictions during the period because the Federal High Court was on vacation.
Meanwhile, the command said its efforts extended beyond arrests and seizures to addressing the social consequences of substance abuse.
Through its Counselling and Treatment Rehabilitation (CTR) and Prevention Sensitisation (PS) units, the command provided counselling to 23 clients and enrolled 12 individuals in vocational training programmes.
The beneficiaries were trained in skills including tailoring, perfume making and liquid soap production, as part of efforts to support rehabilitation and reintegration.