Edo NDLEA Arrests 166 Drug Suspects, Recovers 5.7 Tonnes

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), led by Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, reported the arrest of 166 drug suspects and the recovery of 5.7 tonnes of narcotics between January and March. In January, 46 suspects were apprehended with 2,375.5298 kilograms of drugs seized; February saw 56 arrests and 900.8939 kilograms recovered, while March recorded the highest with 64 arrests and 2,467.6781 kilograms intercepted.

The command filed a total of 84 cases in court during this period, securing 55 convictions. Additionally, 13,714.9233 kilograms of cannabis sativa were confiscated, along with smaller quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, psychotropic substances, and codeine-based syrup.

The NDLEA also destroyed 45 cannabis plantations covering 77.5122197 hectares, estimated to yield about 193,491.1568 kilograms of cannabis. The command's efforts included counseling and rehabilitating 300 drug-dependent individuals, emphasizing a dual approach of law enforcement and rehabilitation.