The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo Command, has intercepted 53,520.80kg of assorted illicit drugs with a street value exceeding N777 million in the first half of 2025.
This was announced by NDLEA Commander in Edo, Mitchell Ofoyeju, during a media briefing in Benin on Monday, marking the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Commander Ofoyeju also reported the arrest of 28-year-old Esther Abumere, a 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Abumere was apprehended for possession of illicit drugs and allegedly used her supermarket in Ekpoma as a front for drug peddling.
“Her arrest is a strong warning to drug barons that, notwithstanding the disguise, they will be smoked out,” Ofoyeju stated. “We have a responsibility under the law to protect every citizen through comprehensive drug supply control and prevention interventions.”
The drugs seized from Abumere’s supermarket included 31g of Colorado, 763g of Canadian loud, and varying quantities of Tramadol capsules, Swinol tablets, Rohypnol tablets, and Molly. During interrogation, Abumere claimed she entered the drug trade to repay a loan from a microfinance bank.
In addition to the arrest, the NDLEA destroyed 18 cannabis farms across Edo State and secured 24 convictions in the same period. The command also provided brief counseling interventions to 194 clients and rehabilitated 19 individuals struggling with drug use disorders.
Ofoyeju urged the public to support the NDLEA by reporting any suspicious drug-related activities, emphasizing the link between drug abuse and pervasive crimes such as cultism and kidnapping.
“These enemies of the state can run but cannot hide. We will catch them, seize their drugs, trace their illicit wealth, and prosecute them,” he affirmed.
