The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted illicit drugs valued at ₦1.8 billion in Edo State within the first quarter of 2026, marking a significant crackdown on drug trafficking in the region.
The Edo State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in Benin City while presenting the command’s operational scorecard. He revealed that a total of 18,380 kilogrammes of narcotics were recovered from 104 suspected traffickers arrested during intelligence-led operations.
Those apprehended include 71 males and 33 females. The seized drugs comprised mainly cannabis, which accounted for 18,293kg, alongside smaller quantities of psychotropic substances, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and 81.4 litres of codeine syrup. Additionally, 12,556kg of cannabis was destroyed across 10 farms spanning over five hectares.
Ofoyeju further stated that the agency secured 36 convictions at the Federal High Court in Benin City, involving 32 men and four women, reinforcing its enforcement efforts.
Beyond arrests and seizures, the command intensified its public awareness campaign, conducting 26 anti-drug sensitisation programmes. It also rehabilitated 28 individuals struggling with drug dependence, while 66 others received counselling and were reintegrated into their families.