The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, working alongside the Nigerian Army, has seized 604.5kg of skunk cannabis during a raid on a suspected drug trafficking centre in the state.
The operation, conducted on August 5, 2026, targeted a notorious drug hub in Ewe Luleha, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Punch reported that the state NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday, saying 65 bags of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis were recovered during the operation.
He added that the command had commenced a manhunt for a suspected drug kingpin identified simply as Sunday, who reportedly fled the area following the seizure.
“The operation carried out by men of the NDLEA and personnel of the Nigerian Army resulted in the seizure of 65 bags of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis, weighing 604.5kg.
“We are tracking the suspected drug kingpin, one Sunday, who is in hiding following the recovery of the 604.5kg of cannabis in the operation. He has nowhere to hide because we will certainly apprehend him.”
Ofoyeju further disclosed that nine suspected drug dealers were arrested in separate operations conducted at various drug hotspots across Edo State.
Among those arrested was 58-year-old Musa Muhammed, a grandfather from Bauchi State, who was allegedly found with 280 grammes of Cannabis sativa, 35 grammes of Loud and 1.4 grammes of Colorado.
Others arrested were 55-year-old Ebere Anthony from Delta State, who was found with 1.5kg of Cannabis sativa; 31-year-old Gift Oliseyenum, also from Delta, who allegedly possessed 74 grammes of Cannabis sativa, 45 grammes of Loud, 2.5 grammes of Colorado and 4.7 grammes of methamphetamine.
The commander said 27-year-old Boniface George, from Delta, was arrested with 195 grammes of Cannabis sativa, while 28-year-old Muzamilu Mustapha from Katsina was found with 40 grammes of Loud and 80 grammes of Cannabis sativa.
Also arrested were 27-year-old Faustina Peter and 36-year-old Chucks Odili, both from Delta State.
They were allegedly found with 35 grammes of Loud, 10 grammes of Colorado and 0.8 grammes of methamphetamine.
A 17-year-old Edo indigene, Anna Agbona, was also arrested with 25 grammes of Tramadol, while 42-year-old Julius Enebuli from Delta was found with one kilogramme of Cannabis sativa, 65 grammes of Loud and 15 grammes of Colorado.
Ofoyeju described the arrests and seizures as significant in the agency’s efforts to curb drug trafficking and abuse across the state.
He said the command would sustain investigations into illicit drug activities and ensure that suspects were diligently prosecuted.
“These arrests and drug seizures do not only highlight the efforts of law enforcement but also signify the increasing need for community involvement in reporting illicit activities, as the agency continues its mission to rid society of drug-related issues.
“I urge members of the public to provide any information that may lead to the apprehension of the fleeing suspect and to support ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State,” Ofoyeju added.
