The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has intercepted a large consignment of cannabis valued at over N724 million and arrested five suspected traffickers in connection with the seizure.
The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this during a press briefing in Benin City, describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in the agency’s fight against drug trafficking.
According to him, the illicit drugs, weighing 7,245 kilograms, were concealed in 483 bags and loaded into two articulated trucks disguised as vehicles transporting alcoholic beverages.
“This command has recorded a major operational success with the interception of two trucks loaded with 7,245 kilograms of cannabis and the arrest of five suspects linked to the shipment,” Ofoyeju said.
He added that the estimated street value of the drugs stands at N724.5 million, noting that such a large-scale interception marks a first for the command.
“The volume of this seizure and the method of concealment highlight the scale and sophistication of drug trafficking networks. This operation sends a strong warning that Edo State will not serve as a safe corridor for illicit drug activities,” he stated.
The suspects identified in connection with the seizure include Ibrahim Abu (29), Abu Abdullazeez (28), Jibril Jaminu (35), Andrew Moses (22), and Ganiyu Abu (21), all from Etsako East and Etsako West Local Government Areas of the state.
Providing further details, Ofoyeju explained that one of the trucks carried 260 bags weighing 3,900 kilograms, while the second contained 223 bags weighing 3,345 kilograms.
Preliminary investigations, he said, revealed that the drugs were sourced from Sabongida-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area and were en route to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, before being intercepted.
“The damage this shipment could have caused to communities, particularly in the North-Central region, would have been enormous if it had reached its destination,” he noted.
Ofoyeju confirmed that the vehicles used in transporting the drugs would be confiscated, while investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend other members of the trafficking network.
He also called on members of the public to support the agency by providing credible information that could aid in curbing drug-related crimes.
“The success of this operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the NDLEA leadership, and we remain committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country,” he said.
