The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, said it arrested 26 suspected drug traffickers and seized about 41,410.53kg of narcotics.

The state Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated this on Friday in Benin City while presenting the monthly progress report of the command.

Mr Ofoyeju said intensified operations led to the arrests, massive drug seizures, cannabis farm destruction, and renewed anti-drug abuse campaigns across the state in August.

He said, “The achievements were remarkable and underscored our proactive approach towards curbing drug-related crimes in Edo State. The 26 persons apprehended comprise of 22 males and four females. Cannabis accounted for over 90 per cent of the seized drugs, with 41,387.36kg.’’

He added that other recovered substances include 22.253kg of tramadol, 0.3085kg of Swinol, 0.0117kg of danabol, 0.5163kg of diazepam, 0.0811kg of methamphetamine, 400ml of pentazocine, and 10 litres of codeine syrup.

Mr Ofoyeju also said that the NDLEA operatives destroyed four plantations of suspected cannabis farms in Ebule Forest, Owan West LGA, covering 15.8 hectares and yielding about 39,631.83 kilogrammes of cannabis.

He further said that a separate operation led to the recovery of 69 bags of skunk from a three-bedroom bungalow in Uzebba, also in Owan West.

According to him, a 54-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the seizure.

Similarly, operatives of the command raided a notorious drug hub at RCC Junction, Sapele Road, Benin City, where three suspects were nabbed.

The suspects were found in possession of illicit drug of various sizes.

The state commander however said that no convictions were recorded within the period under review due to court vacation, adding that six cases were filed at the Federal High Court in Benin City.

He stressed that the command remained committed to pursuing justice for drug-related offences.

He also said that beyond enforcement, the command intensified drug demand reduction initiatives, noting that 13 clients received counselling services, while 11 others were undergoing rehabilitation.

He further said that community sensitisation programmes were held at schools, churches, and youth associations, including Mesh Primary and Secondary School, Grace Baptist Church, POWA, and NNPC youth platforms.

Mr Ofoyeju stated, “Our ongoing operations reflect our unwavering commitment to fighting the drug menace in the state. We remain focused not only on enforcement but also on community engagement and rehabilitation initiatives to combat drug abuse comprehensively.”

The NDLEA boss urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, noting that the fight against drug trafficking required collective responsibility.

(NAN)