The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has made substantial strides in combating drug trafficking, with the arrest of 68 suspected traffickers and the seizure of 7,531.51 kilograms of narcotic drugs throughout August 2026. This information was disclosed by the Commander of the Edo State NDLEA Command, Mitchell Ofoyeju, in a statement released on Thursday.

Ofoyeju highlighted that the arrests included an equal number of males and females, with 34 individuals from each gender apprehended. He emphasized that the gender balance among the suspects underscores the pervasive nature of substance abuse, which affects all demographics regardless of sex.

The impressive haul of narcotics comprised predominantly of Cannabis sativa, with 7,524.83 kilograms seized, including 1,098.177 kilograms captured during operations, while 6,433.33 kilograms were destroyed in various cannabis plantations. Smaller quantities of other drugs were also confiscated, including 5.3311 kilograms of psychotropic substances, 0.0668 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 34.8 litres of codeine syrup.

In his remarks, Ofoyeju expressed the agency's unwavering commitment to eradicating drug trafficking in the state. He stated, "We are unwavering in our commitment to tackling the drug problem in Edo State. Our recent operations showcase our dedication to flushing out drugs from our communities and apprehending those who wish to profit from the suffering of others."

The NDLEA also took proactive measures against drug cultivation, identifying and destroying four cannabis farms across Edo State. The first farm, located in Igbanke Forest within the Orhionmwon Local Government Area, spanned 0.699702 hectares and had an estimated yield of 1,749.255 kilograms. The second farm in the same area was larger, measuring 1.15188 hectares with an estimated yield of 2,879.7 kilograms. Another farm in Ukaro Forest, Owan West LGA, measured 0.496383 hectares with a yield of 1,240.9575 kilograms, while the fourth farm in Ewe Forest, also in Owan West LGA, covered 0.225366 hectares with an estimated yield of 563.415 kilograms. In total, 2.573331 hectares of land were cleared, resulting in the destruction of 6,433.33 kilograms of cannabis.

Despite the significant arrests and seizures, Ofoyeju noted that there were no convictions during this period due to the Federal High Court being on vacation. However, three new cases were charged, with 87 pending cases still in the system.

In addition to enforcement actions, the NDLEA has expanded its community outreach initiatives. The agency's Counselling and Treatment Rehabilitation Unit has been active in addressing the social impacts of substance abuse, providing counselling to 23 clients and enrolling 12 individuals in vocational training programs such as tailoring, perfume-making, and liquid soap production. Furthermore, the NDLEA conducted five sensitization programs that attracted over 2,150 participants, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.