NDLEA Seizes 53,000kg of Drugs, Shuts Down Supermarket in Edo

Deborah Ejama 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command has intercepted over 53,520 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs with a street value of approximately ₦777 million, as part of its intensified crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse across the state.

The was disclosed by the Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, during a media briefing in Benin City to unveil the Command’s half-year operational report, coinciding with activities marking the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. 

This year’s theme is “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest In Prevention.”

Ofoyeju described the first six months of the year as highly productive, with the Command recording major successes in enforcement, arrests, and rehabilitation efforts.

“The war against illicit drugs remains a top priority for the General Marwa-led administration, and I am proud to report significant achievements in the past six months.

“Our rigorous operations have led to substantial seizures and arrests, helping to secure lives and ensure the safety of Edo State residents.”

The NDLEA arrested 209 suspects (129 males and 80 females), dismantled 18 cannabis farms, secured 24 convictions, and provided counselling to 194 clients and rehabilitation to 19 individuals battling drug abuse disorders.

Drugs seized include, Cannabis: 53,441.33 kg, cocaine: 0.0216 kg, Heroin: 0.0111 kg, Methamphetamine: 1.08 kg, Psychotropic substances: 78.35 kg,

Codeine-based syrup: 1,915 bottles (191.5 litres), Pentazocine injection: 2.7 ampoules, Cannabis-laced cookies, and 19 foil plates.

Ofoyeju also revealed the recent closure of Big Jamaya Supermarket in Ekpoma, following the arrest of 28-year-old Esther Abumere, a 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University, who was found with various illicit substances.

Items recovered from the female suspect include, Colorado synthetic cannabis: 31g, Canadian Loud: 763g, Tramadol: 162g (various strengths), Swinol: 56g, Rohypnol: 30g, Molly: 25g.

The suspect reportedly claimed she resorted to selling drugs to repay a loan taken from a microfinance bank.

“The closure of such criminal premises is a strong message to drug barons that no disguise will protect them. Ekpoma, being a university town, must not become a breeding ground for drug crime,” Ofoyeju stated.

He also emphasised the role of drugs in fueling other crimes, particularly cultism and kidnapping, and commended the support of the Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo in strengthening the fight against drug syndicates.

“These enemies of the state can run, but they cannot hide. We will find them, seize their drugs, trace and confiscate their wealth, and ensure they face the law,” he warned.

Ofoyeju called on the public to support the NDLEA with credible information and commended the bravery and dedication of his personnel in driving these successes.