NDLEA Warns Cannabis Cultivation Fuels Crime in Edo

On Tuesday, at a town hall meeting in Uromi, Edo Central, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raised concerns about the rise of cannabis cultivation in Edo State. He described it as a catalyst for various crimes, including kidnapping, arms proliferation, and cultism.

Ofoyeju presented a detailed assessment titled “Cannabis Cultivation and Rural Insecurity in Edo Central,” indicating that agricultural lands are increasingly being converted into cannabis farms, leading to a surge in insecurity. He stated that effective drug control could potentially reduce crime by 50%.

The NDLEA commander highlighted the violent ecosystem created by cannabis cultivation, which threatens rural communities and displaces legitimate food farming. He also linked substance abuse to health issues and the rise of cultism.

Joseph Ikpea, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, expressed support for the NDLEA's efforts to combat drug-related issues in the region.