NDLEA Seizes 498kg Cannabis from Edo Shrine, Two Arrested

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered 498 kilograms of cannabis, specifically skunk cannabis, allegedly hidden inside a shrine in Edo State. The operation took place on May 22, 2026, in the Igw community of Owan East Local Government Area.

Mitchel Ofoyeju, the NDLEA spokesperson, disclosed that the agency recovered 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, along with nine kilograms of cannabis seeds. The operation was based on credible intelligence and was coordinated to target a notorious drug baron identified only as "Asrenr." Despite local youth claiming the shrine was a sacred place, the NDLEA conducted a search that led to the discovery of the concealed cannabis.

Two suspects were arrested: 50-year-old Sundai Oghaimen, found with 945 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of tramadol, and 33-year-old Esther Igbaf, who had 874 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of tramadol. The NDLEA has launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect linked to the drug syndicate.