The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a large cache of cannabis concealed
within a shrine in Owan East Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju,
disclosed the development in Benin City, revealing that operatives recovered a
total of 498 kilograms of cannabis during a targeted operation based on
intelligence reports.
According to Ofoyeju, the raid was carried out on May
22, 2026, in Igwe Community, where officers discovered 59 bags of skunk
cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, alongside an additional nine kilograms of
cannabis seeds.
He explained that the substances were allegedly
abandoned by a suspected drug kingpin identified as Asrenre, who remains at
large and is currently being sought by law enforcement authorities.
During the operation, some community youths reportedly
resisted the search, claiming that the location was a sacred shrine and should
not be disturbed. However, NDLEA operatives proceeded with the search and made
the discovery.
Ofoyeju emphasized that the agency has the legal
authority to search any location where illicit drugs are suspected to be
hidden, regardless of its status or significance within the community.
He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug
trafficking and dismantling criminal networks involved in the illegal drug
trade across the country.
In a separate operation within the same community,
operatives arrested a 50-year-old suspect, Sunday Oghaimen, who was allegedly
found in possession of cannabis and tramadol.
The agency also arrested a 33-year-old woman, Esther
Igbafe, who was reportedly caught with quantities of cannabis, tramadol, and
Swinol.
All suspects have been taken into custody, while the
seized substances have been documented and secured as evidence.
Ofoyeju stated that investigations are ongoing to
determine the source of the drugs and uncover the wider network linked to the
fleeing suspect.
He added that efforts are being intensified to track
down Asrenre and bring all individuals connected to the illegal operation to
justice.
Comments:
Leave a Reply