NDLEA Seizes 457kg Cannabis in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Command, has achieved a major breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking with the arrest of a suspected trafficker and the seizure of 457kg of skunk cannabis in Uroe, Owan East Local Government Area.

According to the State Commander of the anti-narcotic agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the raid operation took place on December 9, 2025, at a warehouse in Uroe, where the suspect, 44-year-old Ohiomah Igbafe, was found in possession of the massive haul of illicit substances.

The seized drugs include 15 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 457 kilogrammes, alongside an additional sack containing four kilogrammes of cannabis seeds. Ofoyeju described the operation as a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks in the state.

“The operation reflects our undying commitment to the eradication of drug trafficking within Edo State. The quantity of illegal drugs seized in this raid represents a omg serious threat to public health and safety. This level of success encourages us to continue to confront drug cartels relentlessly,” Ofoyeju stated.

Further details revealed that 12 large bags weighed 427 kilograms, while 3 sacks accounted for 30 kilograms of cannabis sativa, totalling 457 kilograms. The seizure was uncovered at the suspect’s hideout in the Uroe Community, prompting the immediate launch of further investigations.

The commander warned would-be traffickers, stressing that no individual or group can evade the vigilant eyes of law enforcement. “We want to send a clear message that drug traffickers and their collaborators have no safe harbour in Edo State. The NDLEA will continue to track, arrest, and prosecute offenders in line with the NDLEA Act,” he declared.

Meanwhile, the suspect, Ohiomah Igbafe, claimed he ventured into the illegal drug business due to financial difficulties. “My involvement in drug trafficking is due to economic reasons. My father is late, and my mother has an eye challenge. My only brother is paralysed, and I am the breadwinner of the family. I was introduced to cannabis cultivation two years ago. I do not know how my wife and six children will survive without me. Please, I need help,” he pleaded.

The seized drugs and the suspect have been taken into custody as investigations proceed. This recent bust is part of the NDLEA’s pre-Yuletide drug control strategies, which has led to the arrest of several traffickers and the seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs in the state.