The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has destroyed five cannabis farms, covering 2.27 hectares, and seized 50,000 capsules of tramadol in separate operations in Edo.

The state commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said this on Monday in Benin, while briefing journalists on the success recorded by the command in the past few weeks.

Mr Ofoyeju said the command also arrested three drug trafficking suspects and intercepted 590 bottles of codeine syrup, 100 tablets of tramadol 225 mg and 25,000 tablets of diazepam.

He expressed concern over the spread of illicit cannabis (marijuana) cultivation in forests across the state and called for stronger collaboration with local government councils.

“We cannot continue this way because what began as a little garden is turning into a large plantation,” Mr Ofoyeju said.

He urged local governments to support the agency’s efforts, pointing out that they are closer to the communities, where illicit cultivation was taking place.

He said that two of the farms, measuring 0.928744 hectares, were discovered at Monday Camp, Usen Forest, Ovia South West Local Government Area (LGA).

He also said that two others, covering 1.004278 hectares, were found at Igwe-Oke Forest, Owan East LGA, while another, measuring 0.336646 hectares, was located at Ogboha Forest, Owan West.

“The five plantations covered 2.269668 hectares and had an estimated yield of 5,674.17 kg of cannabis,” the NDLEA boss said.

He further said that during the raid at Ogboha Forest, officers caught and detained a 39-year-old suspect, identified as Sunday Segun.

In a separate operation at Bob-Izua Park, New Road, Okada, he said the operatives also caught and detained Hassan Mohammed in possession of 7.1kg of cannabis.

He said that three knives and charms were also recovered from Mr Mohammed.

The NDLEA chief also said that the command intercepted a vehicle carrying assorted psychotropic substances during a patrol operation in Auchi.

“The seized drugs comprised 590 bottles of codeine syrup, 50,000 capsules of Tramadol 100mg, 100 tablets of Tramadol 225mg and 25,000 tablets of Diazepam.

“A 25-year-old suspect, Jamie Zubaru, was arrested in connection with the seizure and is assisting officers with the investigation,” he said.

Mr Ofoyeju further said that the command remained committed to disrupting illicit drug cultivation and trafficking while promoting public safety and community health.

He, however, called for continued public cooperation with the agency in tackling drug-related activities across Edo.

 (NAN)