NDLEA SEIZES 2.3 TONS OF CANNABIS IN KWARA WITHIN ONE WEEK

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted and seized 2.318 tons of cannabis in separate operations across Kwara State within one week.

The State Commander of the NDLEA, Fatima Popoola, disclosed this at a press briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday, describing the haul as one of the largest in recent times.

According to her, the seizures were made during raids along the Offa and Omu-Aran axis between 3:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Four suspects were arrested after attempting to conceal the drugs in Canter trucks and sacks of sawdust.

“This is one of the biggest seizures we have made in a single week, with a street value running into billions of naira,” Popoola said.

She explained that one suspect was caught with 1.2 tons, another with 300kg, while two others were linked to a 720kg consignment. A J5 vehicle, initially believed to be empty, was also found to be fully loaded with cannabis.

Popoola stressed that drug abuse fuels violent crimes in parts of the state, including Kaiama, Chikanda, Patigi, Edu, and Omu-Aran. She noted that while the command seized only two tons of drugs in 2024, over 2,000kg had already been intercepted between January and August 2025.

She attributed the success to stronger collaboration with the police, army, civil defence, and traditional rulers.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his Special Adviser, Saadu Salahu, commended the NDLEA for the feat. He added that the government is working with community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society to raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and support the ongoing fight against drug trafficking.