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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has impounded two truckloads of cannabis weighing 7,245kg, concealed in cartons of beer.
Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Benin City.
He said the first truck, with registration number OYO LUY 172 XC, conveyed 260 bags weighing 3,900kg, while the second, with registration number OYO LUY 281 XC, carried 223 bags weighing 3,345kg, adding that the two trucks held a total of 483 bags weighing 7,245kg.
Commander Ofoyeju disclosed that the market value of the impounded cannabis is ₦724,000,500.
According to Ofoyeju, “On Saturday, April 11, 2026, our dedicated team intercepted two articulated trucks loaded with a whopping 7,245 kilograms of skunk cannabis.
“This operation marks a historic moment for our command, as it is the first time in our history that we have intercepted two trucks carrying illicit drugs at once. It was the culmination of seventy-two hours of meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance by officers of the command.
“This remarkable achievement has dealt a substantial blow to inter-state drug trafficking networks operating within our jurisdiction.
“Let me, at this point, commend the officers involved in this operation for their unwavering commitment and meticulous execution. This successful interception is a validation of our intelligence-driven operations and the operational precision we adhere to in the fight against drug trafficking.
“This seizure serves as a clear message to drug barons and traffickers that Edo State is not a safe haven for criminal activities.
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“The volume of this seizure, which is over seven metric tonnes of cannabis, highlights the scale of the threat we face and emphasises the importance of our mission.
“Upon intercepting the trucks on the critical Auchi-Abuja Road, we conducted thorough searches that revealed hundreds of bags of processed cannabis cleverly concealed within cartons of beer.
“A field test confirmed the substance as skunk cannabis, a highly potent and dangerous variant that poses a serious threat to our communities and youth.”
Ofoyeju added that preliminary investigations indicated that the illicit shipment originated from Sabongida-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area and was destined for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, before the interception.
The agency boss said the suspects are all indigenes of Etsako East and Etsako West Local Government Areas of the state.
He noted that the trucks and exhibits have been moved to the command headquarters in Benin City for further documentation and that investigations have commenced in earnest.
He said both trucks would be confiscated as instrumentalities of drug crime.
He assured the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing to uncover the networks behind the large-scale trafficking and bring all parties involved to justice.
He said the seizure not only prevents the drugs from reaching the streets but also protects countless lives, particularly those of youths, from the devastating consequences of drug abuse.
He further called for continued support from citizens, urging them to provide timely information to aid the agency’s work in safeguarding communities.
