The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested two persons transporting cannabis along the Benin–Akure Road.
In a statement released on Thursday, the state commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the arrests were made on November 13 during a patrol by operatives of the command.
He said, “The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Command has intercepted two vehicles loaded with cannabis sativa during a motorised patrol along the Benin–Akure Road.
“Both vehicles allegedly took off from the Uyere community in the Ovia North-East Local Government Area, heading towards Benin City, when they were caught.”
According to Ofoyeju, both vehicles have been confiscated as instruments of crime.
“The first vehicle contained 38 bags of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis, weighing 494kg, while the second vehicle had 46 bags of cannabis weighing 552kg, with a combined weight of 1,046kg. The vehicles have been confiscated as instruments of narcotic crime,” he said.
He added that the first operation took place on November 13 when NDLEA officers intercepted a Mercedes-Benz V-Boot with registration number DE311BEN, carrying 38 bags of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa.
“The driver, identified as Felix Edah, a 45-year-old male from Delta State, was immediately arrested at Ugbogiobo community. The total weight of the seized cannabis sativa amounted to 494 kilograms. Felix Edah has since been taken to the NDLEA office in Benin City for further investigation,” he said.
He explained that the second suspect, Lucky Abagha, 51, was also apprehended on the Benin–Akure Road while driving a Mercedes-Benz V-Boot with registration number JJJ 56 JW, registered in Lagos.
“His vehicle was discovered to be loaded with 46 bags of cannabis sativa, weighing a total of 552 kilograms. Like Edah, Abagha has been detained for further questioning,” he added.
The state commander confirmed that investigations into both cases were ongoing, noting that the agency remained committed to curbing drug trafficking and enforcing drug laws in the state.
“These arrests are part of our ongoing efforts to tackle drug-related crimes and dismantle trafficking networks operating within Edo State, especially as we approach the yuletide season,” Ofoyeju said.
The NDLEA urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities related to drug trafficking, stressing the collective responsibility in the fight against narcotics.
PUNCH Online reported last Wednesday that the command destroyed nine cannabis farms in the state.
Ofoyeju added that the Edo State Government and the NDLEA were strategising to address the problem of cannabis cultivation in the state.
He said drug-control measures aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices were also discussed during the visit.
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