The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of 54 suspected drug traffickers within the state during the month of September.
The state’s NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in a operational update, revealed that the suspects were apprehended alongside a significant seizure of 1,506.57 kilograms of various narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Commander Ofoyeju provided a demographic breakdown of the arrests, noting that the 54 suspects comprise 43 males and 11 females.
He listed the wide array of seized drugs to include cannabis sativa, psychotropic substances, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, indicating the diverse nature of the illicit drug trade in the state.
Giving specific examples of the operations, Ofoyeju stated that two of the suspects, Kabiru Abdulahi (35) and Anas Safiyanu (20), were intercepted and arrested on the Warrake-Auchi Road. They were found to be transporting a truck conveying 82 bags of cannabis, which had been cleverly concealed within bags of charcoal in an attempt to evade detection.
He added that another male suspect, Etiosa Bazuaye (43), was apprehended in a separate operation with ninety-eight pinches of crack cocaine. The illicit drug was found hidden inside a wooden stool, demonstrating the traffickers’ evolving methods of concealment.
On the legal front, Ofoyeju further disclosed that the agency secured one conviction during the period and charged four new suspects to court. He also noted that a total of 118 drug-related cases are currently ongoing at the Federal High Court in Benin City, the state capital.
Beyond enforcement, the command also focused on public health. The Commander revealed that counselling services were provided to 32 individuals involved in drug use, with rehabilitation support offered to ten clients to help them overcome their addiction.
Commander Ofoyeju assured the public that the command remains resolute and will not relent in its sustained efforts to rid Edo State of illicit drugs and the associated criminal activities.
