The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is stepping up its nationwide operations against illegal drug cultivation and trafficking. In a recent series of raids, NDLEA operatives destroyed over 24,146 kilograms of skunk in multiple forests in Edo State, highlighting the agency’s determination to curb the spread of psychoactive substances.
NDLEA’s Major Operation in Edo
According to Mr. Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy for NDLEA, officers on Tuesday, September 23 destroyed 12,115.6 kilograms of skunk cultivated on 4.846 hectares of cannabis plantation in Uromi forest, Esan West LGA of Edo. During the operation, two suspects were arrested and 345.5 kilograms of processed skunk were evacuated for further investigation. This marks one of the largest cannabis seizures in the region by NDLEA this year.
Follow-Up Raids and Seizures
In a coordinated follow-up raid at Ogu forest, Igueben LGA, Edo State, NDLEA operatives destroyed another 12,031.245 kilograms of skunk on September 24 and seized an additional 106.1 kilograms of processed substance. Similarly, a truck conveying 82 bags of skunk concealed in bags of charcoal, totaling 1,025 kilograms, was intercepted by NDLEA along Wareke-Auchi road in Etsako West LGA. Two suspects were arrested in connection with this seizure, demonstrating NDLEA’s capacity to intercept drugs in transit.
NDLEA Expands Operations Beyond Edo
NDLEA’s enforcement efforts extend far beyond Edo State. On Saturday, September 27, two suspects were arrested along Zaria–Kano road, Gadar Tamburawa, Kano State, with 30,030 pills of tramadol seized from them. On Monday, September 22, three suspects were apprehended at Swali Jetty, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where NDLEA operatives recovered 12 kilograms of skunk and 50 Diana AAA cartridges.
In Ekiti State, NDLEA officers arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict at his Ikere Ekiti residence on September 25. The suspect was found in possession of 32 kilograms of skunk and 10.5 grams of tramadol.
NDLEA’s Message
These operations underline NDLEA’s commitment to tackling drug cultivation, trafficking, and abuse across Nigeria. By targeting cannabis farms, intercepting drug shipments, and apprehending repeat offenders, NDLEA is strengthening public safety and reinforcing its position as the nation’s leading anti-drug agency. The scale and scope of these recent seizures show that NDLEA is not slowing down in its mission to rid Nigeria of dangerous substances.
