The Edo State Commander of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, on Monday, said the command confiscated drugs worth N777m and arrested 209 suspected drug traffickers, consisting of 129 males and 80 females, one of them is a female 300-level student of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, in the last six months.
Ofoyeju, who made the disclosure when he addressed a press conference ahead of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, said the student who hails from Uromi in the Esan North East Local Government Area, claimed to have ventured into drug trafficking to offset the loan she collected from a microfinance bank.
The commander said if the suspects were successful in making such huge amounts from the sale of the illicit drugs, they would have money to carry out their nefarious activities.
He said, “Through our evidence-led operation we were able to seize drugs worth N770m and that means they would have had money to continue with their nefarious activities.
“The 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University claimed to have ventured into the criminal act of drug trafficking to offset the loan she collected from a microfinance bank.
She hails from Uromi in the Esan North East Local Government Area. Her arrest is a strong warning to drug barons that, notwithstanding the disguise, they will be smoked out.
“Within the last six months, we have seized 2,538.2498 kg of cannabis and destroyed 20.4330181 hectares of cannabis farms weighing 51,082.5453 kg. This brings the total quantity of cannabis to 53,441.3371kg. Other drugs seized were cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, psychotropic substances, codeine-based syrup, Pentazocine Injection 2.700 ampoules and 19 foil plates of cookies laced with cannabis.”
Ofoyeju said the command had secured the conviction of 24 suspects (20 males and four females) with the period under review, noting that the command currently has 110 pending cases in various stages of the judicial process, reflecting the command’s relentless efforts to ensure that those who engage in drug offences face the full weight of the law.
He added that in line with the provisions of the NDLEA’s enabling Act to make drug abuse treatment, counselling and rehabilitation accessible to persons with drug abuse disorders, the Edo State Command provided brief interventions to 194 clients consisting of 135 males and 59 females while 19 males were rehabilitated.
He noted that the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was determined to fight against drug sales and abuse in the state, noting that the appointment of the Senior Special Assistant on Drug Policy and his people-centric programmes lent credence to his pragmatic leadership.
He stated that kidnapping and cultism are deeply entrenched in narcotic drugs, adding, “We are working harmoniously to make Edo State hostile and inclement for drug barons and their cohorts. These enemies of the state can run but cannot hide. We will catch them, seize their drugs, trace their illicit wealth for confiscation and prosecute them.”
He added, “I urge members of the public to collaborate with the agency in this fight by providing credible information on drug-related activities. Together, we can make Edo State a safer and healthier environment for all.
“Let me sincerely acknowledge the priceless support of our stakeholders and members of the media. Your support for public enlightenment in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse is highly commendable and worthy of emulation.”
