NDLEA sniffer dogs
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, arrested 42 suspected drug traffickers and seized 9,520 kilograms of illicit substances in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state in September.
Presenting the command’s monthly operational scorecard on Thursday, the State Commander, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, expressed growing concern over female involvement in drug crimes, noting that 22 of the 42 suspects arrested during the month were women.
During the operations, the agency declared a key suspect, Gospel Odeh (popularly known as “Omega”), wanted after he evaded arrest during a raid. Operatives arrested Odeh’s 26-year-old salesgirl, Ojugo Mercy, who was found with 989 grams of Loud, 13 grams of Colorado, and 83 grams of methamphetamine.
Odeh abandoned his black Toyota Matrix vehicle before fleeing the scene. NDLEA operatives impounded the vehicle, recovering 65 grams of cannabis, ₦1.16 million, and 55 Ethiopian birr from inside. Ofoyeju assured the public that the agency is actively tracking Odeh under a mandate from the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer to ensure he faces prosecution.
The command’s total seizures for the month comprised 271.92 kg of intercepted illicit substances and an estimated 9,248.26 kg yield from destroyed cannabis farms.
The intercepted drugs included:
Cannabis Sativa: 245.29 kg
Psychotropic Substances: 25.97 kg
Methamphetamine: 0.66 kg
Codeine Syrup: 62.6 liters
Additionally, NDLEA operatives located and destroyed 10 cannabis farms spanning 3.7 hectares across Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Esan South East Local Government Areas.
On the legal front, Ofoyeju revealed that the command secured three convictions in September, while 83 drug-related cases remain pending in court.
Beyond enforcement, the command advanced its rehabilitation and public prevention programs. Operatives counseled 28 clients and provided vocational training in tailoring, embroidery, and liquid soap production to aid their reintegration into society.
To discourage substance abuse among youths, the agency partnered with the Edo State Drug Control Committee (ESDCC) to host the Okpebholo/Marwa Marathon Against Drug Abuse for secondary school students, awarding scholarships to the top three winners.
Ofoyeju reaffirmed the command’s resolve to dismantle illicit drug networks in Edo State and urged community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with law enforcement to combat drug trafficking, cultivation, and abuse.
