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By Akpati Ezekiel and Popoola Oluwaseun
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in a joint operation with the Nigerian military, has uncovered a four-bedroom bungalow used as a warehouse for storing cannabis in Illushi Community, Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.
The intelligence-driven operation led to the discovery of the residential building, described by the agency as one of the cannabis hubs in the area.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that operatives recovered a total of 1,359 kilogrammes of cannabis and cannabis seeds from the warehouse.
According to him, the seizure comprised 52 giant bags of skunk cannabis weighing 1,273kg and 86kg of cannabis seeds, bringing the total haul to 1,359kg.
He said: “During the raid on the four-bedroom bungalow being used as a warehouse for storing large quantities of illicit substances, operatives seized and evacuated skunk cannabis weighing 1,273kg as well as 86kg of cannabis seeds.
“Two suspected drug traffickers were also apprehended during separate operations. They are Ojore Onweze, 45, who was arrested in connection with 60kg of cannabis, and George Agwumede, 30, who was arrested with 13kg of cannabis.”
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Ofoyeju expressed concern over the increasing use of residential buildings for the storage of illicit drugs, warning that the trend poses serious dangers to communities.
“The use of residential houses in stockpiling illicit drugs is dangerous and must be vehemently confronted by all citizens. These enemies of the state must not be allowed to destroy our communities.
“We are pleased with the operational successes recorded because the quantity recovered is massive. This raid is a testament to our unwavering determination to dismantle criminal networks seeking to undermine our collective peace and safety,” he said.
The commander disclosed that investigations were ongoing to identify other members of the drug network and uncover possible accomplices behind the operation.
He added that the agency would continue to strengthen collaboration with critical stakeholders, including community leaders, to curb drug trafficking and abuse, particularly to protect children and other vulnerable groups.
“This fight is not for the NDLEA alone; it is a collective responsibility. We sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Army for its support and synergy during the operation and urge every citizen to join the campaign against drug abuse.
“We remain resolute in our determination to rid Edo State of this menace and will not relent until those involved in trafficking and distributing illicit substances are brought to justice. Together, we can build a safer and healthier environment for present and future generations,” Ofoyeju added.
