NDLEA Arrests 42 Drug Traffickers in Edo State

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 42 suspected drug traffickers in Edo State, comprising 24 males and 18 females, during intelligence-led operations throughout June. Mitchel Ofoyeju disclosed that the agency seized a total of 4,905.36 kilograms of assorted drugs, including 4,169.02 kilograms of cannabis.

Significant operations included the destruction of three cannabis farms on June 17, 2026, in Owan East, where 169 kilograms of processed cannabis were recovered, leading to the arrest of 45-year-old Patrick Imoukhed. Another operation in Ilushi, Esan South LGA, resulted in the destruction of a cannabis plantation and the apprehension of 45-year-old Austin Anyamon, with 395 kilograms of skunk cannabis seized.

Additionally, 540 bottles of codeine syrup, 11,100 capsules of tramadol, and other drugs were recovered. The command has prioritized drug demand reduction and is currently prosecuting 79 cases in the Federal High Court in Benin City.