Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted 125 bags of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis in Edo State, in what officials described as a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal drugs in Nigeria.
The drugs, believed to be skunk cannabis, weighed a total of 1,378 kilograms and were seized during a raid on a warehouse in Igbanke community, located in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state. The operation also led to the arrest of a suspect identified as Roland Owie, a 37-year-old indigene of the area.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday. He said the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence and formed part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
According to Ofoyeju, a team of NDLEA officers stormed the warehouse where the illegal substances were stored and successfully confiscated the bags of cannabis without resistance. He described the seizure as a significant blow to drug distribution networks operating within and beyond the state.
“This successful operation is a testament to our relentless pursuit of drug cartels and our strategic focus on supply suppression,” he said.
“The seizure of 125 bags of dry cannabis weighing 1,378 kilograms in a single operation represents a significant blow to the distribution network of these harmful substances.”
Cannabis, particularly the stronger variant known as skunk, remains one of the most commonly abused drugs in Nigeria. It is often cultivated illegally and distributed through underground networks, making it a major concern for law enforcement agencies and public health experts.
The NDLEA has, in recent years, intensified efforts to reduce both the supply and demand for illicit drugs. While the agency carries out public awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programmes, it also focuses on disrupting the supply chain by targeting producers, traffickers, and distributors.
Ofoyeju stressed the importance of intercepting such a large quantity of drugs, noting that it would have had serious consequences if it had reached the streets.
“The importance of intercepting such a large quantity is highlighted by the fact that it prevents drugs from reaching our streets, schools, and communities, thereby protecting countless young people from the devastating scourge of addiction,” he said.
Drug abuse has remained a major challenge in Nigeria, particularly among young people. Experts warn that substances like cannabis, cocaine, and methamphetamine can lead to serious health problems, including mental health disorders, addiction, and social issues such as crime and unemployment.
In response, the NDLEA has adopted a dual strategy that combines enforcement with education and rehabilitation. However, officials say cutting off the supply of drugs remains a key priority.
“While we continue our demand reduction efforts through advocacy and rehabilitation, cutting off the source is paramount,” Ofoyeju explained.
“Every kilogram seized disrupts the criminal economy, weakens trafficking syndicates, and makes our society safer.”
He also used the opportunity to send a strong warning to those involved in drug trafficking, stating that Edo State is not a safe haven for illegal activities.
“This arrest and seizure send a clear message to all drug barons that Edo State is not a haven for illicit activities. We have zero tolerance, and our intelligence and operational capabilities are robust,” he said.
The commander commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication. He also called on members of the public to support the agency by providing useful information that could lead to further arrests and seizures.
Community cooperation, he said, plays a vital role in the success of law enforcement efforts, especially in tracking hidden warehouses and illegal drug farms.
The latest seizure is part of a broader crackdown by the NDLEA in Edo State. While presenting the command’s first-quarter operational report in Benin City, Ofoyeju revealed that a total of 18,380 kilograms of drugs had been recovered from 104 suspected traffickers.
The suspects, according to him, include 71 males and 33 females, showing that drug trafficking cuts across different groups in society.
Out of the total quantity recovered, 5,825 kilograms were seized, while 12,556 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed on farms. These farms, numbering 10, covered a total land area of about 5.0226 hectares.
The destruction of cannabis farms is another important part of the NDLEA’s strategy. By identifying and destroying these farms, the agency aims to reduce production at the source and discourage further cultivation.
The NDLEA has continued to work with other security agencies to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering. These efforts have led to several successful operations in recent months.
Despite these gains, challenges remain. Drug traffickers often adopt new methods to evade detection, including using remote locations, disguising shipments, and recruiting unsuspecting individuals.
This makes it necessary for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and adapt their strategies to changing circumstances.
The Federal Government has also expressed commitment to supporting the NDLEA in its efforts. Increased funding, training, and equipment are seen as critical to improving the agency’s effectiveness.
For many Nigerians, the fight against drug abuse is not just a law enforcement issue but also a social one. Families, schools, and communities all have a role to play in educating young people about the dangers of drugs and providing support for those struggling with addiction.
As the NDLEA continues its operations, the agency says it remains focused on making Nigerian communities safer by reducing the availability of illegal drugs.
The seizure in Igbanke community is seen as a clear example of what can be achieved through intelligence-led operations and strong commitment by security agencies.
Further investigations are expected to continue, with authorities working to identify other members of the network linked to the seized drugs.
For now, the agency says it will not relent in its efforts to tackle drug trafficking and ensure that those involved are brought to justice.