BENIN CITY – The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of 37 individuals, including 12 women, for alleged drug trafficking activities in the month of June.

Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this, said the crackdown was part of intensified efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the state. He revealed that operatives seized a total of 345.421 kilograms of various narcotics during the period.

“In June, NDLEA operatives apprehended 37 suspects — 25 males and 12 females — as part of a strategic operation aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks and curbing substance abuse in the region,” Ofoyeju stated.

The seized substances included 310.485 kg of cannabis, 0.3415 kg of psychotropic substances, and 0.3175 kg of methamphetamine. Additionally, authorities recovered 33.226 kg of cannabis sativa, 0.67 kg of psychotropic substances, 0.373 kg of methamphetamine, 5 litres of codeine syrup, and 0.004 kg of cocaine, all of which were reportedly abandoned.

In a related operation, NDLEA agents destroyed illegal cannabis farms spanning 7.27 hectares in Okhuse Forest and Ugbada Uzebba Forest, both located in Owan West Local Government Area. The destroyed farms were estimated to yield over 18,184 kilograms of cannabis.

On the legal front, the command filed 11 new cases in June, securing 5 convictions, while 107 cases remain pending at the Federal High Court in Benin.

The Drug Demand Reduction Unit also provided counseling services to 32 clients — 18 males and 14 females — and conducted several awareness campaigns across organizations to educate the public on the dangers of drug use.

Commander Ofoyeju reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and abuse in Edo State, emphasizing the importance of community participation and sustained enforcement operations.