NDLEA intercepts 483 bags of cannabis in Edo, arrests 5 suspects
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted two trucks conveying 483 bags of suspected skunk cannabis weighing 7,245 kilograms and arrested five suspected drug traffickers. Addressing journalists in Benin on Wednesday, the State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the seized drugs, valued at about N724.5 million, were recovered from the […]
Some of the suspects arrested by the NDLEA
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted two trucks conveying 483 bags of suspected skunk cannabis weighing 7,245 kilograms and arrested five suspected drug traffickers.
Addressing journalists in Benin on Wednesday, the State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the seized drugs, valued at about N724.5 million, were recovered from the two trucks laden with illicit substances.
He identified the suspects as Ibrahim Abu, 29; Abu Abdullazeez, 28; Jibril Jaminu, 35; Andrew Moses, 22; and Ganiyu Abu, 21.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment originated from Sabongida-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State and was en route to Abuja before it was intercepted.
Ofoyeju said operatives, acting on intelligence, intercepted the two articulated trucks along the Auchi–Abuja Road. He added that the vehicles, which were loaded with cartons of beer, were used to conceal the drugs.
“A field test confirmed the substance to be skunk cannabis, a highly potent and dangerous variant,” he said.
Providing a breakdown, he disclosed that the first truck, with registration number OYO LUY 172 XC, contained 260 bags weighing 3,900 kilograms, while the second truck, OYO LUY 281 XC, carried 223 bags weighing 3,345 kilograms.
“The combined haul totalled 483 bags with a gross weight of 7,245 kilograms,” he added.
The NDLEA boss said both trucks would be confiscated as instruments of crime, adding that investigations are ongoing to unravel the network behind the trafficking.
He noted that the interception would prevent the drugs from reaching the streets and destroying lives, particularly among youths.
“This successful operation sends a clear message to drug barons and traffickers that Edo State is not a safe haven for illicit drug trade,” Ofoyeju stated.