Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 48 suspected drug traffickers and seized 541.47 kilogrammes of illicit substances during a month‑long crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse across the state. The State Commander, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, noting that the arrests and seizures were made through intelligence‑led operations conducted at various drug flashpoints in Edo State throughout May.
According to Ofoyeju, the suspects comprised 25 males and 23 females apprehended during separate operations. The haul was dominated by cannabis sativa, which accounted for 540.6253kg of the total seizure. Other substances recovered include 0.2701kg of psychotropic substances – such as tramadol, Swinol, diazepam and Rohypnol – as well as 0.1415kg of methamphetamine and 1.4 litres of codeine syrup.
“The NDLEA, Edo State Command, has arrested 48 suspected drug traffickers in the month of May. The arrests comprised 25 males and 22 females nabbed during intelligence‑led operations at various drug flashpoints across the state,” Ofoyeju said in the statement. He added that the command’s legal unit recorded three convictions in court during the period, while five new cases were filed and 94 drug‑related cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court in Benin City.
One of the most significant seizures came from Lucky Omen, who was arrested with a giant bag of cannabis sativa weighing 27.3kg. Joseph Osin was found with 743 grammes of cannabis sativa, while Prince Aniete was caught with 373 grammes of Loud, 11 grammes of tramadol and three grammes of Swinol. Another suspect, Esther Okes, was found in possession of 194 grammes of cannabis sativa.
In a separate raid in Auchi town, Etsako West Local Government Area, officers targeted drug hotspots and arrested two suspects: Abdulmalik Sunday, 30, and Abayomi Precious, 29. Items recovered from Abayomi Precious included 238 grammes of Loud, three grammes of Colorado, 22 grammes of tramadol (100mg), 23 grammes of Swinol and two grammes of Rohypnol. Abdulmalik Sunday was found with 18 grammes of Loud, 58 grammes of Colorado, 14 grammes of tramadol, five grammes of Swinol and 53 grammes of methamphetamine.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA continued its drug demand reduction initiatives during the month. Ofoyeju said the command counselled 31 clients – 24 males and seven females – who were subsequently reunited with their families, while eight others are currently undergoing rehabilitation. The agency also organised five sensitisation programmes, including the Benin City Teens and Youth Invasion initiative, which focused on raising awareness among young people about the causes, effects and prevention of drug abuse.
“These operations send a strong message to drug traffickers that Edo State is not a haven for their illegal trade. We will continue to intensify our raids and intelligence‑led operations to apprehend those involved in the distribution and sale of narcotics,” Ofoyeju said. He commended officers for their vigilance and professionalism, adding that investigations are ongoing and all suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.
Ofoyeju also appealed to members of the public, families and institutions to continue providing credible information to the agency to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse in Edo State.
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