The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has seized 604.5kg of cannabis and launched a manhunt for a suspected drug kingpin in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Benin.
According to Ofoyeju, the operation was conducted on August 5 at Ewe Luleha, a suspected drug hub in Owan West, where operatives recovered 65 bags of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis.
He revealed that the command has launched a manhunt for the suspected kingpin, identified only as Sunday, who reportedly fled during the operation.
“We are tracking the suspected drug kingpin, one Sunday, who is in hiding, following recovery of the 604.5kg of cannabis. He has nowhere to hide because we will certainly apprehend him,” Ofoyeju said.
The commander stated that the operation formed part of the agency’s renewed efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks across Edo State. He added that nine suspected drug peddlers — comprising five males and four females — were also arrested in separate operations conducted at various drug hotspots in the state.
According to him, the suspects were found with varying quantities of cannabis, loud, colorado, methamphetamine, and tramadol.
Ofoyeju described the arrests and seizures as a demonstration of the command’s continued determination to disrupt the supply and distribution of illicit drugs in Edo. He urged residents to support the agency by providing credible information that could assist in apprehending fleeing suspects and dismantling drug trafficking networks.
“These arrests and drug seizures do not only highlight efforts of law enforcement but also signify the increasing need for community involvement in reporting illicit activities. I urge members of the public to provide any information that may lead to the apprehension of the fleeing suspects, and to support ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State,” he said.
The NDLEA commander assured that investigations into the drug-related activities would continue and that all suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.