Suspected drug barons abandon 2 vehicles with 1,455kg illicit drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has seized two Sienna buses conveying 1,455 kg of cannabis in the state. The buses were reportedly abandoned by members of a drug trafficking cartel operating in the state. The state NDLEA commander, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed the seizure, said the vehicles with illicit […]

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has seized two Sienna buses conveying 1,455 kg of cannabis in the state.

The buses were reportedly abandoned by members of a drug trafficking cartel operating in the state.

The state NDLEA commander, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed the seizure, said the vehicles with illicit drugs were abandoned by the barons at about 3am on October 29, 2025.

He said a team of officers intercepted two Toyota Sienna buses suspected of transporting a substantial quantity of narcotics along the Okhokho-Isi community route in the Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

He said both buses reportedly commenced their journey at Okpuje, a community that is notorious for cannabis cultivation and trafficking.

“The first vehicle seized, with registration number EPE 545 EV, was found to be carrying an impressive 666 kilograms of dried weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.

“The second vehicle, bearing registration number ABC 142 CD, was also intercepted, containing 789 kilograms of the same illicit substance.

“The total weight of the seized drugs is 1,455 kilograms,” he added.

According to him, suspects were not apprehended during the operation, as those responsible deserted the vehicles and made a hasty escape, leaving the substantial drug exhibits behind.

He assured that investigation is ongoing, aimed at bringing the traffickers to justice.