209 suspected drug traffickers, including a 300-level female student at Ambrose Alli University, have been arrested by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
It also seized drugs valued at N777 million in the past six months.
The announcement came during a press briefing led by the state commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, in preparation for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to Ofoyeju, the university student from Uromi, Esan North East LGA, claimed she resorted to drug trafficking to repay a microfinance loan.
Her arrest, he said, sends a strong signal to drug barons that they cannot escape law enforcement, regardless of their cover.
“We’ve seized 2,538.25kg of cannabis and destroyed over 20 hectares of cannabis farms, weighing more than 51,000kg,” Ofoyeju said. “Other drugs intercepted include cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, psychotropic substances, codeine syrup, and even cookies laced with cannabis.”
Ofoyeju explained that the agency had secured 24 convictions (20 male and 4 female suspects) and had 110 ongoing prosecutions. In the same period, 194 drug users (135 men and 59 women) received brief interventions, while 19 males underwent rehabilitation.
Ofoyeju credited the state’s efforts to the support of Governor Monday Okpebholo, highlighting his appointment of a Senior Special Assistant on Drug Policy as a proactive measure in combating drug issues.
He emphasized the link between drug abuse, cultism, and kidnapping, pledging that the NDLEA would continue to pursue offenders, confiscate illegal wealth, and ensure proper prosecution.
He urged the public to assist with credible information, thanking stakeholders and the media for their role in promoting awareness and enforcement.
