{
  "id": 592302,
  "title": "Cannabis cultivation fueling kidnapping, cultism in Edo – NDLEA",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/cannabis-cultivation-fueling-kidnapping-cultism-in-edo-ndlea",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-11T19:02:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/cannabis-cultivation-fueling-kidnapping-cultism-in-edo-ndlea/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised concerns about the increasing cultivation of cannabis in Edo State, which it says is fueling kidnapping, cultism, and the exploitation of youths. According to the NDLEA, the cannabis trade has become a significant problem in the state.\n\nIn a recent operation, the NDLEA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, seized 604.5 kilograms of cannabis in a raid on a notorious drug hub in Ewe Luleha, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The seizure was made on August 5, and 65 bags of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis were recovered.\n\nThe NDLEA has launched a manhunt for the suspected drug kingpin, identified as Sunday, who fled before the arrival of the operatives. The agency has assured that the suspect will be apprehended and face justice, and is urging members of the public to provide any information that could lead to his capture.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Cannabis cultivation fueling kidnapping, cultism in Edo – NDLEA",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/cannabis-cultivation-fueling-kidnapping-cultism-in-edo-ndlea-593937",
        "published": "2026-08-11T19:24:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}