By Usman Aliyu
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 29 suspected drug traffickers and seized 10,359.71kg of narcotics in April in Edo..
The state Commander of NDLEA, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, said this on Wednesday in Benin, while giving the command’s scorecard for the month of April.
He said that those arrested comprised of 19 males and 10 females, following targeted raids on drug hotspots and patrol operations across the state.
The seizures, Ofoyeju said, included 9,611.69kg of cannabis and 748.02kg of psychotropic substances, alongside tramadol, rohypnol, diazepam injections, bromazepam and codeine syrup.
He said that operatives also destroyed a cannabis farm in Egbeta Forest, Saboro Camp in Ovia North East Local Government Area, spanning 0.91 hectares and capable of yielding over 2,200kg of cannabis.
“On April 11, during a major operation, NDLEA officers intercepted two articulated trucks on the Auchi-Abuja Road.
“They recovered 7,245kg of skunk cannabis concealed in 483 sacks hidden among alcoholic beverages. Five suspects were arrested in the operation, ” he said.
He added that another truck, branded with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) insignia was intercepted on April 22 on the Lagos-Benin Road.
The truck, the NDLEA commander said, was carrying 748.02kg of tramadol and other psychotropic substances, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
He said that the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig,- Gen. Buba Marwa, had commended the command for the seizures and described the breakthrough as significant in disrupting drug trafficking networks.
On prosecution, Ofoyeju said that the command secured five convictions and filed four new cases within the month, while 89 cases remained pending at the Federal High Court in Benin
He added that the agency also intensified demand reduction efforts, counselling 13 drug users and placing 12 others in rehabilitation, while it conducted seven sensitisation programmes.
“We remain committed to dismantling drug trafficking cartels and reducing substance abuse across Edo State,” Ofoyeju said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)