Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, in collaboration with military personnel, have destroyed two cannabis farms measuring 0.544092 hectares in the Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.
The farms, located at Eko Camp, Illushi, were estimated to contain 1,360.23 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, while an additional 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, was destroyed during the operation.
Confirming the operation on Monday, the Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that two male suspects, identified as 43-year-old Ajeh Egwuda and Nonso Ajodhe, were arrested during the operation.
According to him, both suspects, who are indigenes of Esan South-East, claimed that poverty and the negative influence of friends led them into cannabis cultivation.
The commander said Ajeh was found cultivating a cannabis farm measuring 0.068011 hectares, with an estimated yield of 170.03kg, while Nonso was operating a larger farm measuring 0.476081 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20kg.
He said, “Together, the two farms measured 0.544092 hectares, yielding a combined total of 1,360.23kg of cannabis sativa. In addition, processed cannabis recovered at the farm includes 107kg, including cannabis seeds.”
Ofoyeju described the operation as part of the command’s efforts to tackle cannabis cultivation and drug trafficking in the state.
He warned individuals using forests and farmlands for illicit activities, saying the command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven surveillance, community engagement and enforcement operations to dismantle cannabis networks.
The commander also expressed the command’s determination to work with the military and other stakeholders to reduce the impact of illicit drugs on communities across Edo State.
He thanked the Commanding Officer, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, for supporting the drug enforcement operation.
Ofoyeju further said the command would strengthen its partnership with traditional rulers, community leaders and other security agencies in Esan South-East and other areas affected by cannabis cultivation.
He appealed to residents to provide timely information that could assist security agencies in identifying and arresting other members of cannabis cultivation and trafficking networks.