ILLICIT DRUG: FEMALE TOPS SUSPECT LIST IN EDO AS NDLEA PROMOTES 73 PERSONNEL

Females top the list of suspected drug trackers arrested in the month of July by the Edo State Command of National Drug Law Efforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Out of the 49 suspects arrested in the month, females top the list with 29 suspects while male came second with 20 suspects.

State Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in Benin on Thursday at the decoration ceremony of 73 newly promoted personnel of the command.

According to Ofoyeju, in the month under review, a total of 2,596.29 kilogrammes were seized, stressing that the shift in the suspects list indicates the “socio-economic vulnerability of women and a breakdown of traditional family stability.”

He added: “Three warehouses were detected in the month, two in Benin City and one at Illushi. Two vehicles, a Toyota Sienna with registration number Ondo NND 975 AG and a Toyota Camry with registration number Edo BEN 503 BK used in transporting cannabis were equally intercepted.

“Cannabis led the seizure list with 2,588.4 kilograms, psychotropic substances 6.13 kilograms, cocaine 0.071 kg, heroin 0.005 kg, and methamphetamine 1.68 kg. Additionally, the command seized 15.3 litres of codeine cough syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. These assorted narcotics underscored the varied nature of substances being trafficked and abused within the state.”

“The command also destroyed one cannabis farm located in the Egbisi forest of Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state. This farm measured an extensive 0.640903 hectares and was estimated to yield around 1,602.26 kilograms of cannabis.

“The command’s efforts have not gone without recognition, as it successfully secured convictions in four notable drug cases during the month.”

Speaking on the newly promoted personnel, the State Commander said the elevation came as a result of “hard work, sacrifice, loyalty, and commitment to service. Promotion in the NDLEA is not automatic; rather, it is earned as a reward for diligence, integrity, and outstanding performance in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

He further charged: “This new rank comes with greater responsibility, higher expectations, and increased scrutiny. Kindly note three things as you rise to your new ranks.

“Your new rank is a call to higher service. The public is watching. The traffickers will test you more. The command expects your momentum to increase.”