The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a large quantity of illicit drugs hidden in a warehouse in Benin City.

 

Commander of Narcotics in the state, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin on Monday, said that the drugs were detected at a residential building along Sapele Road, Benin City, where the main targets, a husband and wife, were apprehended.

 

According to Ofoyeju, operatives of the NDLEA officers raided the illicit storage facility and seized twenty-two bags of skunk cannabis weighing 219.5 kilograms and compressed blocks of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of synthetic cannabis weighing 192.67 kilograms.

 

“We arrested a husband and wife, Christian Chukwuka, 32 years old, and Nwanneka Christian, 33 years old, at the illicit warehouse where they deal in narcotic drugs.

 

“The arrest and seizure are a reflection of growing concern over drug trafficking and abuse. Both suspects who hail from Ndokwa in Delta State were caught at the warehouse,” Mitchell stated.

 

He added that the successful operation was carried out following credible intelligence received on the notorious criminal activities by the above suspected couple.

 

One of the suspects identified as Christian Chukwuka was said to have confessed in the statement, claiming that poverty and joblessness pushed him into the criminal act.

 

According to Christian, “I am a secondary school graduate, and I learnt how to drive trucks, but because of joblessness, a friend introduced me to drug trafficking. My wife has a set of twins for me, and the pressure of financial upkeep has been a challenge. If given another chance, I promise not to deal in drugs again,” Christian pleaded.

 

Ofoyeju confirmed in the statement that investigations into the case are underway and that the suspects will soon face charges in court.

 

“Our efforts to combat drug trafficking remain unwavering. We will thoroughly investigate this case and ensure that justice is served,” Ofoyeju stated.