The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has said no fewer than 289 suspected drug traffickers have been arrested in Edo State since January 2026.
Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the agency, disclosed this during the commemoration of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Benin City.
The theme of the event was “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Ofoyeju said that of the 289 suspects arrested, 176 were males and 113 were females.
He added that a total of 52 suspects were convicted, comprising 47 males and five females.
He also disclosed that a total of 35,008.38 kilograms of cannabis was seized.
The NDLEA state commander said the seized cannabis comprised 14,705.31 kilograms recovered from traffickers and 20,303.07 kilograms destroyed on cannabis plantations.
He further stated that 135 persons, comprising 101 males and 34 females with drug abuse problems, received counselling services, while 33 anti-drug abuse sensitisation programmes were conducted, reaching 6,092 participants.
Mitchell, who said the NDLEA cannot win the war against drug trafficking alone despite the impressive statistics, noted that the world drug problem is a family, community and national security issue.
“I implore parents and guardians to be the first line of defence. Talk to your children, monitor their behaviour, know their friends and be sensitive to early warning signs,” he said.
He, however, urged youths in the state not to allow drugs to rob them of their dreams, health and
