- Marwa Leads Destruction of ₦2.8bn Drug Haul in Edo
- Burns 73,463kg of Seized Drugs
- Drug Traffickers Must Leave Edo, Okpebholo Warns as NDLEA Burns Narcotics
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday destroyed 73,463.21 kilogrammes of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of ₦2.8 billion in Edo State, reaffirming its commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the destruction exercise took place at Idogbo, in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, following an order of the Federal High Court in Benin City.
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Speaking during the exercise, the Commander of NDLEA in Edo State, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the destroyed substances included 73,210.23kg of cannabis sativa and 246.36kg of psychotropic substances such as tramadol, diazepam and codeine syrup.
Other exhibits destroyed were 2.662kg of methamphetamine, 3.744kg of cocaine and 0.217kg of heroin.
Ofoyeju said the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations that led to the interception of vehicles and trucks conveying illicit substances, as well as the discovery and destruction of cannabis farms and drug warehouses across the state.
He noted that NDLEA operatives had faced attacks from armed criminals while carrying out their duties but remained committed to dismantling drug networks and protecting communities.
Representing NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation, Ahmed Suleiman Ningi, described the destruction exercise as a clear demonstration of the agency’s resolve to combat drug abuse and trafficking.
He also commended the Edo State Government for supporting the agency, particularly through the allocation of land for the construction of a model state command headquarters.
Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani, said the fight against drugs was critical to addressing crimes such as kidnapping, banditry and other social vices.
She reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting anti-drug campaigns and revealed plans to establish a modern rehabilitation centre for individuals battling substance abuse.
The governor also issued a strong warning to drug traffickers, declaring that the state would continue to work with security agencies to ensure illicit drugs are seized and destroyed.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Joseph Ikpea, commended the NDLEA for the massive seizures and pledged continued legislative support to strengthen the agency’s operations nationwide.
