The Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested 306 suspected drug offenders in the state between January and May, and dismantled a hidden methamphetamine laboratory.

The Commander, Tijjani Rabe, stated this on Thursday in Abeokuta during a news conference organised to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

This year’s celebration is with the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persistent Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

Mr Rabe noted that the theme for the 2026 celebration reflected the realities confronting the state.

He said that the 306 suspects arrested comprised 272 males and 34 females, adding that 140 persons, including 136 males and four females, received counselling and rehabilitation interventions within the period.

He added that the command also seized 2,518.16 kg of cannabis sativa, 86.74kg of methamphetamine, cocaine and tramadol, 44.90 litres of codeine, as well as 171.50 litres of skuchies and monkey tail.

He said, “In 2025, 771 suspects, were arrested which comprised 650 males and 121 females, while 159 offenders were convicted. Also 318 persons received counselling, while the command seized 6,179.25kg of cannabis sativa, 236.52kg of methamphetamine, cocaine and tramadol, 1,435.62 litres of codeine and 1,220.13 litres of skuchies and monkey tail.”

Mr Rabe said the agency’s sensitisation campaigns reached 60,100 persons in 2025 and 53,269 residents in the first five months of 2026.

He described the continued circulation of narcotic and psychotropic substances as a major concern in the state.

The commander noted that the command recently dismantled a large clandestine methamphetamine laboratory allegedly operated by foreign nationals in the state.

“The presence of a clandestine lab in our state is a red flag; it indicates traffickers are now shifting tactics.

 They are now establishing production facilities within our communities, exploiting industrialisation and isolated locations,” he said.

He urged community leaders, landlords and residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, including unusual chemical odours, excessive generator use and restricted access to property.

Mr Rabe, however, reaffirmed the command’s determination to prevent Ogun State from becoming a hub for illicit drug production and trafficking.

In her remarks, the Wife of the Ogun State Governor and Matron of the state Drug Control Committee, Bamidele Abiodun, urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children to prevent drug abuse.

Mrs Abiodun, represented by the Executive Secretary, Ogun State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency, Dr Funke Oyeneye, pledged continued support for the NDLEA’s advocacy against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

A road walk sensitisation exercise was conducted by the agency to raise awareness about the dangers of drug trafficking and substance abuse.

 (NAN)