{
  "id": 593937,
  "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",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-11T19:24:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "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.\n\nAccording to the NDLEA, a recent raid on a suspected drug hub in Ewe Luleha, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, resulted in the seizure of 604.5 kilogrammes of cannabis. The raid, which was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, led to the discovery of 65 bags of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis.\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 has urged 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 Nigeria",
        "title": "Cannabis cultivation fueling kidnapping, cultism in Edo – NDLEA",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/cannabis-cultivation-fueling-kidnapping-cultism-in-edo-ndlea",
        "published": "2026-08-11T19:02:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}