Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State have uncovered and dismantled a major illicit drug warehouse, arresting a suspected cartel member and seizing a large consignment of cannabis.
The operation, carried out by the Edo State Command, followed credible intelligence. NDLEA officers raided an illegal warehouse in the Igbanke community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, where they recovered 125 bags of dried weeds suspected to be skunk cannabis, weighing a total of 1,378kg.
A 37-year-old suspect, Roland Owie, a native of the Igbanke community, was arrested in connection with the seizure.
Speaking on the development, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
“This successful operation reflects our relentless pursuit of drug cartels and our strategic focus on supply suppression. Seizing 1,378 kilograms of cannabis in a single raid delivers a significant blow to the distribution network of these harmful substances,” he said.
He noted that intercepting such a large quantity prevents the drugs from reaching streets, schools, and communities, thereby protecting young people from the dangers of addiction.
Ofoyeju added that supply suppression remains a key pillar of the agency’s strategy, alongside advocacy and rehabilitation efforts.
“Every kilogram seized disrupts the criminal economy, weakens trafficking networks, and makes our society safer. This operation sends a clear message that Edo State is not a safe haven for illicit drug activities. We maintain zero tolerance and possess strong intelligence and operational capacity,” he stated.
The commander also commended the professionalism of NDLEA officers involved in the operation and urged members of the public to continue supporting the agency with timely and useful information.