NDLEA burns ₦2.8bn worth of seized drugs in massive Edo crackdown

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday destroyed narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances weighing 73,463.21 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of ₦2.8 billion.

The public destruction exercise, carried out under a Federal High Court order, saw the illicit drugs set ablaze in the presence of government officials, security agencies, traditional leaders and other stakeholders.

A breakdown of the destroyed exhibits showed that Cannabis sativa accounted for the bulk of the seizures at 73,210.23 kilogrammes. Other substances destroyed included 246.36 kilogrammes of psychotropic drugs, comprising 141.81 kilogrammes of Tramadol, 8.4258 kilogrammes of Diazepam and 61.7652 kilogrammes of Codeine syrup.

The agency also incinerated 2.662 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine, 3.7441 kilogrammes of Cocaine and 0.2168 kilogrammes of Heroin.

Speaking at the event, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, described the fight against drug abuse as a critical battle for the future of society and national security.

Represented by the First Lady of Edo State and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, Mrs. Edesili Anani, the governor said the war against narcotics extends beyond law enforcement to combating kidnapping, banditry and other crimes often linked to drug abuse.

“This is not a moment for celebration alone; it is a moment for sober reflection and a recommitment to the fight. The war on drugs is a war for the soul of our nation. It is a war against criminality, kidnapping and banditry as well as the health hazards that drug abuse brings,” Okpebholo said.

He assured the NDLEA of his administration’s continued support and disclosed plans to establish a modern rehabilitation centre for individuals recovering from drug addiction.

The governor also issued a stern warning to drug traffickers operating in the state.

“Drug traffickers must leave Edo State because we are coming for them and we will not relent until every gram of illicit substance is seized and destroyed,” he said.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the destruction exercise as a powerful demonstration of the country’s determination to eliminate drug trafficking and abuse.

Represented by the agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation, DCGN Suleiman Ahmed Ningi, Marwa commended the Edo State Government for its support, particularly the allocation of 20 plots of land for the construction of a model NDLEA State Command headquarters.

“What we are gathered here to do transcends the physical act of burning contraband. We are, in the most powerful terms, reaffirming our collective and unshakeable resolve to confront, dismantle, and ultimately defeat the menace of drug abuse,” Marwa said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Joseph Ikpea, praised the NDLEA for its sustained efforts in intercepting illicit substances and pledged stronger legislative support for the agency.

“Every kilogramme of cocaine, every bag of cannabis and sachet of tramadol and codeine destroyed today represents lives saved from the catastrophic effects of drugs. Your work is dangerous and often not properly funded, yet you fill the gaps. We will continue to press for better welfare, funding, equipment and legal backing for your operations,” Ikpea stated.

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, revealed that the command had recorded significant operational successes in recent months, intercepting drugs concealed in vehicles, articulated trucks and even traditional shrines.

“The command has intercepted cars and articulated trucks laden with drugs. We have apprehended both the young and the aged, male and female and have even recovered drugs hidden in shrines. We have been attacked on the line of duty with firearms, but we are not deterred in executing our mandate,” Ofoyeju said.

Highlighting the devastating impact of substance abuse on families and society, he added: “We may give our children the good things of life, such as money, the best schools, good food and clothing, but if we fail to protect them from drug and substance abuse, we have indeed given them nothing.”