April 06, (THEWILL) — In a decisive blow against drug trafficking, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have seized 1,378kg of suspected cannabis sativa and arrested a 37-year-old man, Roland Owie, in Edo State.
A statement signed on Monday by NDLEA Commander in Edo, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that the seizure took place during an intelligence-led operation in the Igbanke community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
Recovered during the raid were 125 bags of dried weeds suspected to be skunk, a potent form of cannabis, stored in a warehouse believed to serve as a hub for distribution across Edo and neighbouring states.
The NDLEA boss emphasised the broader societal significance of the operation.
“This successful operation is a testament to our relentless pursuit of drug cartels and our strategic focus on supply suppression. The interception of 1,378 kilogrammes of cannabis prevents these harmful substances from reaching communities, particularly young people who are vulnerable to substance abuse. Every kilogramme seized disrupts the criminal economy, weakens trafficking syndicates, and makes our society safer”, Ofoyeju said, describing the seizure as one of the largest in recent years.
The arrest of Roland Owie followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, which confirmed that the warehouse was actively involved in large-scale cannabis distribution.
The suspect is currently in NDLEA custody, and further investigations are underway to identify other members of the trafficking network and additional storage sites.
Highlighting the operational success, Ofoyeju commended the officers involved for their professionalism and dedication. He also urged the public to support the agency by providing credible information that could aid ongoing anti-drug efforts.
“Edo is no longer a safe haven for drug traffickers”, he warned, stressing that the NDLEA will maintain a continuous offensive against illicit drug networks in the state.
This raid forms part of the NDLEA’s broader strategy under its national mandate to suppress the supply of illicit drugs, dismantle criminal networks, and safeguard public health. Over the past year, the agency has intensified operations across Nigeria, focusing on intelligence-driven interventions that target both the storage and transit points of narcotics.
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