The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking, seizing illicit substances valued at ₦1.8 billion within the first quarter of 2026.
State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday in Benin City, where he outlined the Command’s operational achievements between January and March.
According to Ofoyeju, NDLEA operatives confiscated a total of 18,380 kilograms of illegal drugs during the period, while 104 suspected traffickers were arrested comprising 71 males and 33 females.
Cannabis accounted for the bulk of the seizures, with 18,293 kilograms recovered. Other substances intercepted include 6.01kg of psychotropic drugs, 0.188kg of methamphetamine, 0.023kg of cocaine, 0.0151kg of heroin, and 81.4 litres of codeine syrup.
The agency also secured the conviction of 36 offenders at the Federal High Court in Benin City, including 32 men and four women.
In addition to arrests and prosecutions, NDLEA operatives destroyed 10 cannabis farms spanning over 502,260 hectares as part of intensified, intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling drug networks across the state.
Beyond enforcement, the Command ramped up its preventive efforts through 26 anti-drug awareness programmes, while also supporting rehabilitation initiatives. A total of 28 individuals undergoing drug dependence treatment were rehabilitated, and 66 others received counselling and were successfully reintegrated with their families.
Ofoyeju noted that the sustained operations reflect the agency’s commitment to curbing drug-related crimes and fostering a safer, drug-free society in Edo State.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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