The combined team of the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and operatives of the Nigerian Army has raided a four-bedroom bungalow used as a cannabis warehouse in the state.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the NDLEA, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Benin City.
Ofoyeju said the warehouse, situated in a residential area, is located in the Illushi community, Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.
He said Ojore Onweze, 45, and George Agwumede, 30, were arrested in connection with the raid.
He said the two suspects were apprehended with 60 kilograms and over 13 kilograms of cannabis, respectively.
The Edo State NDLEA also said the seizure included 52 giant bags, three gallons of cannabis seeds and a bag of cannabis seeds.
He explained that 1,273kg of cannabis and 86kg of cannabis seeds, totalling 1,359kg, were recovered from the warehouse.
According to him, during the raid on the four-bedroom bungalow, which was being used as a warehouse for storing large quantities of the illegal substance, skunk cannabis weighing 1,273kg and 86kg of cannabis seeds were seized and evacuated.
“In addition, cannabis seeds weighing 86kg were also found in the warehouse.
“Two suspected drug traffickers were apprehended. They are Ojore Onweze, a 45-year-old male caught in connection with 60kg of cannabis, and 30-year-old George Agwumede, nabbed with over 13kg of cannabis,” he stated.
Ofoyeju, however, expressed concern over the use of residential houses for warehousing narcotic drugs.
While describing the use of residential houses for stockpiling illicit drugs as dangerous and a trend that must be vehemently confronted by citizens, he opined that the enemies of the state must not be allowed to destroy our communities.
“We are pleased with the operational successes recorded because the quantity is massive and impressive. This raid is a testament to our unwavering determination to dismantle the networks that seek to undermine our collective peace and safety.
“NDLEA’s recent successes reflect a broader initiative to involve stakeholders, including community leaders, in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking. Children and other vulnerable groups must be protected.
“This fight is not just for the NDLEA; it is a collective responsibility. We sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Army for the synergy and urge every citizen to take part in this campaign against drug abuse,” he added.
He said the investigation into the drug operation is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to uncover connections and potential accomplices.
He assured that the command is resolute in its efforts to rid Edo State of the drug menace, adding that it would not relent until those responsible for trafficking and distributing illegal substances are brought to justice.
NDLEA uncovers four-bedroom flat used as drug warehouse, seizes 1,359kg of cannabis in Edo