The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has publicly destroyed 73,463.21 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Benin City, Edo State, reaffirming its commitment to combating drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country.
The destruction exercise, held on Thursday at Idogbo bypass in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, was carried out pursuant to an order of the Federal High Court in Benin.
Speaking at the event, Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the exercise underscored the government’s resolve to curb the drug menace and prevent illicit substances from finding their way into communities.
He explained that the exhibits were recovered through sustained intelligence-led operations targeting drug trafficking syndicates operating within and outside Edo State.
According to Ofoyeju, cannabis constituted the bulk of the destroyed drugs, weighing 73,210.23 kilogrammes.
Other exhibits included 246.36 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, comprising 141.81 kilogrammes of tramadol, 61.77 kilogrammes of codeine cough syrup and 8.43 kilogrammes of diazepam.
Also destroyed were 3.74 kilogrammes of cocaine, 2.66 kilogrammes of methamphetamine and 0.22 kilogrammes of heroin.
The commander said the command had intensified efforts against drug traffickers through the destruction of cannabis farms, raids on illicit drug warehouses and the interception of vehicles used for transporting narcotics.
He added that several suspects had been arrested across different age groups and genders, while drugs concealed in unusual locations, including shrines, had been recovered.
He further disclosed that operatives had come under attack from armed criminals during operations but remained undeterred in carrying out their mandate.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), represented by the Director, Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, Ahmed Ningi, described the exercise as a major milestone in the agency’s ongoing war against narcotics and organised criminal networks.
Marwa said the public destruction was not merely a routine exercise but a clear demonstration of the agency’s determination to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates and protect communities from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
He noted that the seizure and destruction of the drugs prevented them from reaching the streets, where they could have fueled addiction, crime, and social instability.
The NDLEA boss also said the exercise reflected transparency and accountability in the handling of seized narcotics, assuring the public that all recovered drugs were properly accounted for and destroyed in line with due process.
He warned drug traffickers and dealers to abandon the illicit trade, stressing that the agency would continue to pursue offenders, seize illegal substances and bring perpetrators to justice.
The exercise was witnessed by representatives of security agencies, government officials, religious leaders and students, and forms part of the NDLEA’s broader strategy to reduce the availability of illicit drugs and strengthen public confidence in the nation’s anti-drug campaign.
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