The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State command, says it destroyed three cannabis plantations and seized 4,905.36kg of illicit drugs in June as part of its intensified operations against drug trafficking across the state.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, the state commander of the NDLEA, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin while presenting the command’s operational scorecard for June 2026 to journalists.

Mr Ofoyeju noted that 42 suspected drug traffickers were also arrested during the month under review.

The commander said the agency also secured the conviction of 10 drug offenders, while suspected drug traffickers abandoned consignments of codeine syrup and tramadol during a raid in Uromi to evade arrest.

According to him, the 42 suspects comprised 24 males and 18 females apprehended during intelligence-led operations conducted across the state.

He said the command recovered a total of 4,905.36kg of assorted illicit drugs, including 4,169.02kg of cannabis destroyed on plantations and 736.34kg intercepted during enforcement operations.

The seizures, he said, comprised cannabis sativa, methamphetamine and psychotropic substances, including swinol, diazepam and rohypnol, as well as 54.2 litres of codeine syrup.

“The command dealt a major blow to illicit cannabis cultivation with the destruction of three plantations spanning 1.667608 hectares and having an estimated yield of 4,169.02kg.

“Operatives raided Ikao Forest in Owan East Local Government Area on June 17, where they uncovered and destroyed two cannabis farms measuring 0.69763 hectares,” he said.

He said a 45-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene with 169kg of processed cannabis.

He added that intelligence-led operations at Ebora camp in Ilushi, Esan South-East Local Government Area, led to the discovery and destruction of another cannabis plantation.

He said the plantation measured 0.969978 hectares, with an estimated yield of 2,424.945kg.

The commander said another suspect was arrested at the camp with 395kg of skunk cannabis.

He further disclosed that suspected drug traffickers abandoned a large consignment of illicit pharmaceuticals during a raid in Uromi, forcing them to flee.

“The recovered exhibits included 540 bottles of codeine cough syrup, 11,100 capsules of tramadol, 2,500 tablets of swinol and 100 ampoules of pentazocine injection,” he said.

On prosecution, Mr Ofoyeju said the command secured 10 convictions during the month, filed three fresh cases, while 79 cases were pending before the Federal High Court in Benin.

He added that the agency also intensified drug demand reduction efforts by counselling 19 clients – 15 males and four females – who had since been reunited with their families.

According to him, seven persons are currently undergoing rehabilitation, while six drug abuse sensitisation programmes were conducted during the month.

Mr Ofoyeju, however, expressed concerns over emerging security threats, particularly kidnapping and cult-related violence in Oredo, Etsako West and Akoko-Edo local government areas.

These, he said, were often associated with illicit drug abuse.

“We urge members of the public to continue supporting our efforts by providing timely information on drug-related activities. The command will continue to work hard in dismantling drug trafficking cartels in the state,” he said.

(NAN)