NDLEA Arrests 44 Suspects, Seizes Over 2,059kg of Illicit Drugs in Edo

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of 44 suspected drug traffickers and the seizure of 2,059.83kg of illicit substances in November.

The State Commander, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Benin, noting that the intensified, intelligence-led operations were part of efforts to ensure a secure and peaceful festive season across the state.

Ofoyeju said the arrests—21 men and 23 women—highlight not only the scale of the agency’s crackdown but also a troubling rise in the number of women involved in drug trafficking.
“This is a negative development considering the strategic role of women in nation-building,” he warned.

According to the commander, the drugs seized in November included 2,058.79kg of cannabis, as well as tramadol, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, codeine-based syrup, flunitrazepam, diazepam, swinol, and danabol (Molly).

The agency also discovered and destroyed a 0.58-hectare cannabis plantation located in Igbeshi Forest, Imiakebo, Etsako West, with an estimated yield of 1,459.745kg.

“Our operations during the month under review have dealt significant blows to drug cartels. Forty-four suspects, both male and female, have been arrested, and substantial quantities of drugs weighing 2,059.83 kg were seized. This sends a clear message to those involved in the drug trade to either desist now or face the full might of the law,” Ofoyeju stated.

He further revealed that the command secured 17 convictions in November, while 126 cases remain pending at the Federal High Court in Benin.

As part of its rehabilitation efforts, the NDLEA counselled 21 individuals under its drug demand reduction programme.

Ofoyeju noted that challenging terrains used for cannabis cultivation continue to pose operational difficulties, stressing the need for improved logistics to access remote farmlands. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting communities.

He called on residents to support NDLEA operations by providing reliable intelligence, adding:
“We are determined to make Edo State unsafe for drug dealers. With the public’s cooperation, we will dismantle these networks and keep our communities secure.”

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