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Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, have dismantled several illicit drug operations across the state, destroying a cannabis plantation, recovering assorted controlled substances and arresting five suspects.
The operations, carried out between August 18 and 19, 2026, form part of the command’s sustained efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and curb substance abuse in Edo State.
According to the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, a specialised team from the command’s headquarters, on August 18, raided a cannabis sativa plantation in Ukaro Forest, Owan West Local Government Area.
Three suspects — Imohimi Ugbeje, 50; Usihoro Saturday, 27; and Bala Sunday, 23 — were arrested during the operation.
The operatives discovered a cannabis farm measuring approximately 0.496 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,240.9 kilogrammes of the illicit crop. The plantation was destroyed, while samples of cannabis plant stems and half a bag of processed cannabis weighing 5.5 kilogrammes were recovered.
In a separate operation on August 19, NDLEA operatives raided an illicit drug warehouse at Ihumudumu, Ekpoma, in Esan West LGA.
The operation led to the recovery of 319 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, 1,340 capsules of tramadol, 344 tablets of Rohypnol and 222 tablets of Danabol.
No suspect was arrested at the warehouse, but the agency said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspected owner of the drugs.
Also on August 19, operatives in Benin City arrested two men allegedly in possession of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis.
The suspects, Zege Japhet, 29, and Ifeanyi Ogashe, 43, were arrested with a combined 290 grammes of the substance. Japhet was found with 185 grammes, while Ogashe had 105 grammes.
Meanwhile, the NDLEA has intensified its preventive campaign among youths through its collaboration with the Scout Association of Nigeria.
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The association recently held its inaugural National Youth Camp in Benin City under the theme, “Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development: Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Future.”
The camp attracted youths from Ogun, Oyo, Kogi and Delta states and provided a platform for learning, collaboration and youth development.
A major highlight of the programme was a lecture delivered by Ofoyeju on “Drug Abuse and Substance Misuse Prevention Among Youth.”
Addressing the participants, the NDLEA commander warned of the dangers associated with drug abuse and urged young people to engage in constructive activities while making informed decisions about substance use.
Ofoyeju said youth empowerment must go beyond education, stressing the need to equip young people with the skills, support and awareness required to make responsible choices.
He said, “Empowering our youth is not just about education; it’s about providing them with the skills and support they need to make informed choices.”
According to him, youths, as future leaders, must understand the consequences of drug abuse and actively participate in programmes that promote healthy living and community development.
The NDLEA said its partnership with the Scout Association of Nigeria would further strengthen preventive measures and promote drug-abuse awareness among young people.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of drug trafficking, cultivation and abuse to the appropriate authorities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting illicit drug networks, protecting communities and building a healthier and drug-free society.
