NDLEA SEIZES N724.5M CANNABIS IN EDO, ARRESTS FIVE SUSPECTS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted cannabis worth N724.5 million in Edo State, arresting five suspects in connection with the illicit consignment.

The Edo State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this during a press briefing in Benin City on Monday.

Ofoyeju said the seizure involved 483 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 7,245 kilogrammes, concealed in two articulated trucks disguised as vehicles transporting alcoholic beverages.

He described the operation as a major breakthrough, noting that it was the first time the command had intercepted two trucks loaded with illicit drugs simultaneously.

“The Edo State Command of the NDLEA has recorded a monumental operational success, with the interception of two articulated trucks laden with 7,245Kg of skunk cannabis and the arrest of five suspected drug traffickers. The estimated street value of the drugs is N724.5 million,” he said.

According to him, one of the trucks, with registration number OYO LUY 172 XC, carried 260 bags weighing 3,900kg, while the second truck, OYO LUY 281 XC, contained 223 bags weighing 3,345kg.

The suspects arrested were identified as Ibrahim Abu (29), Abu Abdullazeez (28), Jibril Jaminu (35), Andrew Moses (22), and Ganiyu Abu (21), all indigenes of Etsako East and Etsako West Local Government Areas of the state.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment originated from Sabongida-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area and was being transported to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, before it was intercepted.

Ofoyeju noted that the seizure disrupted a major inter-state drug trafficking network and prevented significant harm that could have been caused in the destination areas.

The trucks and exhibits have been moved to the agency’s headquarters for further investigation, while the vehicles are to be confiscated as instruments of crime.

The commander assured that investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader network behind the trafficking and bring all culprits to justice, urging members of the public to continue supporting the agency with timely information.

He added that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance directive of the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa.