The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 209 suspected drug traffickers and confiscated illicit drugs valued at N777 million in the last six months. Among those arrested is a 300-level female undergraduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference held in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
He revealed that the suspects comprised 129 males and 80 females. The student, who hails from Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area, reportedly claimed she resorted to drug trafficking to repay a loan obtained from a microfinance bank.
According to Ofoyeju, “Through our evidence-led operation we were able to seize drugs worth N770m and that means they would have had money to continue with their nefarious activities.
“The 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University claimed to have ventured into the criminal act of drug trafficking to offset the loan she collected from a microfinance bank. She hails from Uromi in the Esan North East Local Government Area. Her arrest is a strong warning to drug barons that, notwithstanding the disguise, they will be smoked out.”
He added that within the period under review, the agency seized 2,538.2498kg of cannabis and destroyed 20.4330181 hectares of cannabis farms, amounting to 51,082.5453kg. This brings the total cannabis quantity to 53,441.3371kg. Other substances recovered included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, psychotropic substances, codeine-based syrup, 2.700 ampoules of Pentazocine Injection, and 19 foil plates of cookies laced with cannabis.
Highlighting the command’s legal efforts, Ofoyeju said 24 convictions were secured—20 males and four females—while 110 cases are pending in court.
He further noted the agency’s focus on rehabilitation and support, stating that 194 clients (135 males and 59 females) received brief interventions, while 19 males were rehabilitated in line with the NDLEA’s statutory mandate.
Ofoyeju commended the efforts of the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, saying, “The appointment of the Senior Special Assistant on Drug Policy and his people-centric programmes lend credence to his pragmatic leadership.”
He emphasised the link between drugs and other crimes like kidnapping and cultism. “We are working harmoniously to make Edo State hostile and inclement for drug barons and their cohorts. These enemies of the state can run but cannot hide. We will catch them, seize their drugs, trace their illicit wealth for confiscation and prosecute them.”
He called on the public to support the NDLEA with credible information. “I urge members of the public to collaborate with the agency in this fight by providing credible information on drug-related activities. Together, we can make Edo State a safer and healthier environment for all.
“Let me sincerely acknowledge the priceless support of our stakeholders and members of the media. Your support for public enlightenment in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse is highly commendable and worthy of emulation.”
