NDLEA, Army Raid Edo Drug Hub, Recover 604kg of Cannabis

Security operatives in Edo State have recovered more than 604 kilogrammes of cannabis following a joint raid by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Army on a suspected drug trafficking hub.

The operation, carried out on August 5, targeted a notorious drug spot in Ewe Luleha, Owan West Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, operatives recovered 65 bags of dried cannabis weighing 604.5kg during the raid.

The commander disclosed the development in Benin, saying the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle major drug trafficking networks operating across the state.

Suspected kingpin escapes

Ofoyeju said the suspected kingpin behind the operation fled the area before security operatives arrived.

The suspect, identified as Sunday, is now the subject of a manhunt as NDLEA operatives intensify efforts to track him down.

“We are tracking the suspected drug kingpin who is in hiding following the recovery of the 604.5kg of cannabis,” Ofoyeju said.

He assured residents that the suspect would eventually be apprehended and brought before the appropriate authorities.

NDLEA seeks public support

The agency appealed to residents of Edo State to provide useful information that could assist security operatives in locating the fleeing suspect.

Ofoyeju also urged members of the public to support ongoing efforts to tackle drug abuse and trafficking, stressing the importance of community cooperation in disrupting illegal drug networks.

The latest seizure adds to the growing efforts by security agencies to clamp down on the production, distribution and trafficking of illicit drugs across Nigeria.