The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking and substance abuse, arresting 47 suspected drug traffickers and seizing 541.47 kilograms of narcotic drugs across various locations in the state.
The suspects, comprising 25 males and 22 females, were apprehended during coordinated intelligence-driven operations carried out at identified drug flashpoints.
Among those arrested were Lucky Omen (38), Joseph Osin (53), Prince Aniete (22), and Esther Okes (48), who were picked up at drug hotspots in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
According to the agency, various quantities of illicit drugs were recovered from the suspects during the operations.
The most significant seizure was linked to Lucky Omen, from whom a large bag of Cannabis sativa weighing 27.3 kilograms was recovered, while Joseph Osin was also found with 743 grams of cannabis.
Another suspect, Prince Aniete, was caught with 373 grams of Loud, 11 grams of Tramadol, and 3 grams of Swinol, while Esther Okes was found in possession of 194 grams of Cannabis sativa.
In a related operation in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, NDLEA operatives raided additional drug hotspots, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Abdulmalik Sunday (30) and Abayomi Precious (29).
Items recovered from Abayomi Precious included 238 grams of Loud, 3 grams of Colorado, 22 grams of Tramadol (100mg), 23 grams of Swinol, and 2 grams of Rohypnol. Abdulmalik Sunday was also found with multiple illicit substances, including 18 grams of Loud, 58 grams of Colorado, 14 grams of Tramadol, 5 grams of Swinol, and 53 grams of methamphetamine.
Beyond enforcement operations, the command also intensified its drug demand reduction efforts, counselling 31 individuals comprising 24 males and 7 females. All counseled clients were released to their families, while eight others are currently undergoing rehabilitation.
In addition, the agency conducted five sensitisation programmes within the reporting period, including the “Benin City Teens and Youth Invasion” outreach, where officials educated participants on the causes, effects and preventive measures against drug abuse among young people.
Presenting the May 2026 monthly progress scorecard on Tuesday, the Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who oversees the Edo State Command, said the command’s legal unit secured three convictions within the period under review, while five new cases were filed in court.
He added that a total of 94 cases remain pending before the Federal High Court in Benin City.
Ofoyeju commended the dedication and professionalism of operatives involved in the operations, noting that the arrests and seizures underscore the agency’s determination to rid Edo State of illicit drugs.
He warned that the state would not serve as a safe haven for drug traffickers, stressing that enforcement efforts would be further intensified through sustained raids and intelligence-led policing.
“These operations send a clear message that Edo State is not a safe haven for drug traffickers. We will continue to intensify our raids and intelligence-led operations to apprehend those involved in the distribution and sale of narcotics,” he said.
The Commander further disclosed that investigations into all arrested suspects are ongoing, adding that those found culpable would be prosecuted upon completion of investigations.
He called on members of the public, families and community stakeholders to continue supporting the agency by providing credible intelligence to aid the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in the state.