The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Edo State has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking, intercepting cannabis worth N724.5 million and arresting five suspects linked to the illicit consignment.
Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City on Monday, the State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that operatives seized 483 bags of cannabis weighing 7,245 kilogrammes.
The drugs were concealed in two articulated trucks disguised as vehicles transporting alcoholic beverages.
Ofoyeju described the operation as unprecedented in the command’s history, noting that it marked the first time two trucks loaded with such a large quantity of illicit substances were intercepted simultaneously.
According to him, the seized drugs were valued at approximately N724.5 million on the street, underscoring the scale of the trafficking network disrupted by the operation.
He added that the breakthrough demonstrates the agency’s operational precision and commitment to curbing drug-related crimes.
The suspects arrested in connection with the seizure were identified as Ibrahim Abu (29), Abu Abdullazeez (28), Jibril Jaminu (35), Andrew Moses (22), and Ganiyu Abu (21), all from Etsako East and Etsako West Local Government Areas of Edo State.
Providing further details, the commander explained that one of the trucks carried 260 bags weighing 3,900 kilogrammes, while the second contained 223 bags weighing 3,345 kilogrammes.
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The combined haul, he noted, represents a significant disruption to inter-state drug trafficking operations.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment originated from Sabongida-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area and was destined for the Federal Capital Territory.
Warned that the potential impact of the drugs on communities in the North-Central region would have been severe if not intercepted.
The seized trucks and exhibits have been moved to the NDLEA headquarters in Benin City for further investigation, while the vehicles are expected to be confiscated as instruments of crime.
Ofoyeju assured that ongoing investigations would focus on uncovering the broader network behind the operation, with a view to bringing all those involved to justice.
He also appealed to members of the public to support the agency by providing credible intelligence to aid its enforcement efforts.
He reiterated that the success aligns with the zero-tolerance directive of the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, aimed at eliminating drug trafficking and safeguarding communities across Nigeria.