Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo Command, and the Nigerian Army have destroyed two cannabis farms and arrested two suspects in the state.
The operation, conducted on Sept. 23 at Eko Camp, Illushi, Esan South East Local Government Area, also led to the recovery of 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds.
The NDLEA Commander in Edo, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Monday in Benin while providing updates on recent operations.
Ofoyeju said the two plantations covered 0.544092 hectares, with a combined estimated yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis.
According to him, the operation underscored the command’s commitment to tackling cannabis cultivation and drug trafficking across the state.
“Let this operation serve as a strong warning to those who see our forests and farmlands as bases for criminal enterprise.
“The NDLEA Edo State Command will not rest until cannabis cultivation is rooted out of our communities,” he said.
Ofoyeju said the command was combining intelligence-driven surveillance, community engagement and enforcement in the campaign.
The suspects were identified as Ajeh Egwuda, 43, and Nonso Ajodhe, both from Esan South East.
The commander said the suspects told operatives that poverty and negative peer influence led them into cannabis cultivation.
He said Egwuda was cultivating a 0.068011-hectare farm, with an estimated yield of 170.03kg of cannabis, while Ajodhe was found with a 0.476081-hectare plantation, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20kg.
Ofoyeju said the farms had a combined estimated yield of 1,360.23kg, while 107kg of processed cannabis, including seeds, was additionally recovered.
He said the operation demonstrated the command’s determination to protect communities from drug abuse and trafficking.
“This operation is not just a show of our capability but also reflects our unwavering determination to protect our communities.
“We will continue to collaborate with armed forces and other stakeholders to dismantle drug networks and reduce the impact of these illicit substances,” he said.
The commander thanked the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, for supporting the operation.
He said the command would strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders and sister security agencies in Esan South East and other areas affected by cannabis cultivation and trafficking.
Ofoyeju also appealed to residents to provide timely information to assist security agencies in identifying and arresting other members of the network.
