Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in a joint operation with the Nigerian Army, have intercepted 1,359 kilogrammes of cannabis and cannabis seeds during a targeted raid on a warehouse in Illushi, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Two suspects—Ojore Onweze, 45, and George Agwumede, 30—were apprehended in connection with the seizure, the state NDLEA Commander, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Benin.
The operation, described as intelligence-led, targeted a four-bedroom bungalow allegedly converted into a storage facility for large quantities of the illicit substance. Officers recovered 52 giant bags of cannabis, three gallons of cannabis seeds, and an additional bag containing seeds—amounting to 1,273kg of cannabis and 86kg of cannabis seeds.
Ofoyeju disclosed that the suspects were found in possession of 60kg and 13kg of cannabis respectively.
Expressing alarm at the growing trend of using residential properties as drug repositories, the commander warned that such practices posed a grave threat to public safety.
“The use of residential houses in stockpiling illicit drugs is dangerous and must be vehemently confronted by citizens. These enemies of the state must not be allowed to destroy our communities,” he stated.
Ofoyeju described the raid as a testament to the agency’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks undermining societal peace, adding: “We are pleased with the operational successes recorded because the quantity is massive and impressive.”
Investigations remain ongoing to identify other members of the trafficking network and possible accomplices, he said, while reaffirming the NDLEA’s commitment to collaboration with community leaders and stakeholders in combating substance abuse across Edo State.
“This fight is not just for NDLEA; it is a collective responsibility,” Ofoyeju emphasised.
He commended the Nigerian Army for its support and urged residents to actively support the campaign against drug abuse, insisting that all those involved in trafficking and distribution would be brought to justice.
“Together, we can build a safer and healthier environment for current and future generations,” he added.