Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Command have arrested five suspects and destroyed a cannabis farm in raids across the state.

Commander of the NDLEA in Edo State, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday
said these operations underline the NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug abuse and ensuring a safer society for all citizens.

He said, “On August 18, 2026, a specialised team from the NDLEA’s state headquarters stormed a cannabis sativa plantation in the Ukaro Forest of Owan West Local Government Area, where they apprehended three male suspects: Imohimi Ugbeje, aged 50; Usihoro Saturday, aged 27; and Bala Sunday, aged 23.

“During the operation, the agency uncovered a cannabis farm spanning approximately 0.496 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,240.9 kilograms. The plantation was swiftly destroyed, and a sample of the cannabis plant stems alongside half a bag of processed cannabis was seized, weighing in at 5.5 kilograms.

“Furthermore, on August 19, 2026, NDLEA operatives targeted an illicit drug warehouse located at Ihumudumu in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA. In this sophisticated operation, the agency successfully recovered 319 bottles of codeine cough syrup, 1,340 capsules of tramadol, 344 tablets of Rohypnol, and 222 tablets of Danabol. While no arrests were made in this specific operation, NDLEA officials are actively pursuing the suspected owner of the drugs.

“In another significant bust on the same day in Benin City, two male suspects were apprehended while in possession of ‘Canadian Loud,’ a potent strain of synthetic cannabis. The individuals, Zege Japhet, aged 29, and Ifeanyi Ogashe, aged 43, were found with a total of 290 grams (185 grams for Japhet and 105 grams for Ogashe) of the controlled substance.

“These arrests reflect the agency’s ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking within the state and protect the community from the dangers of substance abuse,” he added.