NDLEA destroys 5 marijuana farms, seizes 50,000 capsules of tramadol in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed five cannabis farms totaling 2.27 hectares and seized 50,000 tramadol capsules in Edo. State Commander Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju shared this update with reporters in Benin City on Monday, highlighting the agency's recent successes. Ofoyeju reported the arrest of three drug trafficking suspects and the interception of 590 codeine syrup bottles, 100 Tramadol 225mg tablets, and 25,000 Diazepam tablets.

He expressed worry over the proliferation of illegal cannabis cultivation in the state's forests and urged local government councils to collaborate more closely with the NDLEA. Two of the farms, measuring 0.93 hectares each, were found in Usen Forest and Owan East LGA. Another 1.00 hectare farm was discovered in Owan West LGA's Ogboha Forest.

The total illicit plantation area covered 2.27 hectares and could potentially yield 5,674.17kg of cannabis. During the raids, a 39-year-old man named Sunday Segun was detained in Ogboha Forest. In another operation, Okada, Auchi, the NDLEA apprehended Hassan Mohammed, who was found in possession of 7.1kg of cannabis, along with three knives and charms.

The agency also intercepted a vehicle with codeine syrup, Tramadol capsules, Diazepam tablets, and seized a 25-year-old suspect, Jamie Zubaru, who is now cooperating with the investigation. Ofoyeju emphasized the NDLEA's commitment to combating drug cultivation and trafficking while advocating for public cooperation in curbing drug-related activities across Edo state.