A joint operation of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Nigerian Army has led to the destruction of two cannabis plantations and arrest of two suspects in Eko Camp, Illushi, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, NDLEA Edo State Commander, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin on Monday, said the cannabis plantations measure 0.544092 hectares with an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg and 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, respectively.

Ofoyeju identified the two male suspects as Ajeh Egwuda, 43 years old, married to one wife with two children, and Nonso Ajodhe, married to one wife with five children.

According to him, both suspects hail from the Esan South East Local Government Area of the state and claimed to have taken to cannabis cultivation as a result of poverty and the negative influence of friends.

The commander disclosed that Ajeh was found to be cultivating a cannabis farm measuring 0.068011 hectares, estimated to yield approximately 170.03 kg of cannabis, while Nonso was found with a larger plot of 0.476081 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20 kg.

“Together, the two farms measured 0.544092 hectares, yielding a combined total of 1,360.23 kg of cannabis sativa. In addition, processed cannabis recovered at the farm includes 107kg, including cannabis seeds,” he added.

The statement further reads: “Let this operation serve as a strong warning to those who see our forests and farmlands as bases for criminal enterprise. The NDLEA Edo State Command will not rest until cannabis cultivation is rooted out of our communities. We are combining intelligence-driven surveillance, community engagement, and decisive enforcement in this campaign.”

Ofoyeju, while expressing commitment to addressing the drug problem in the state, added: “This operation is not just a show of our capability but also reflects our unwavering determination to protect our communities from the harms of drug abuse and trafficking. We will continue to collaborate with armed forces and other stakeholders to dismantle drug networks and reduce the impact of these illicit substances on our society.”