The Edo State Security Network (ESSN) has arrested two suspects with a large quantity of Illicit drugs at different locations in Benin.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Festus Ebea.

Ebea, who named the suspects as Efosa Uyi and Stella Thompson, noted the state government is committed to ensuring the state is free from illicit drugs.

According to him, drugs recovered included Indian hemp, crystal methamphetamine (Ice), Colorado (Colos), Canadian Loud, and Scottish Loud, which were seized in large quantities.

Ebea warned drug addicts and those selling Illicit drugs to stay off Edo State, stressing that it’s not a safe haven for their operations.

He disclosed that the suspects will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further prosecution. He noted that the prosecution will be followed strictly to ensure justice is served.

“We have arrested two suspects at different points in Benin, and primarily will hand them over to NDLEA. We are working very hard to assist the drug agency in getting rid of those engaged in drug activities in the state.

“We are not relenting in combing the State and getting drug addicts, and those trading in illicit drugs off the State.

“These two suspects were arrested on Friday, 29th May 2026, with a large quantity of Illicit drugs.We are using this medium to warn those selling and dealing in illicit drugs to stop as the State will not be safe for them”.

He called on the youths to stay off drugs as it’s not beneficial to users, as they remain useless and end up bad in society.

“We equally call on the youths to stay off drugs as it has no positive impact on their lives but rather end up being useless to the society.

“To save our youth from these illicit drugs, we have to arrest those selling and distributing these drugs in society. Hence, these ones have been arrested and brought before the media.”

Ebea urges journalists to follow up on the story and ensure justice is served to serve as a deterrent to other youths.

“Our youths should stay off drugs as it has no benefits to any users, you can’t think of. It will make you end up useless and degraded in society, encourage the youths to stay off drugs, and be safe.

“No criminal arrests that are not connected to drugs. They use drugs to carry out their nefarious activities in the state.”