NDLEA destroys N2.8bn drugs in Edo
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, on Thursday destroyed narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances valued at about ₦2.8bn in Benin City.
A total of 73,463.21 kilogrammes of seized drugs were destroyed during the exercise, the agency said.
A breakdown showed that Cannabis sativa accounted for the bulk of the seizures with 73,210.23 kilogrammes, while psychotropic substances weighed 246.36 kilogrammes. These included Tramadol (141.81kg), Diazepam (8.43kg) and Codeine syrup (61.77kg).
Other substances destroyed included 2.66 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine, 3.74 kilogrammes of Cocaine and 0.21 kilogrammes of Heroin.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the exercise as a demonstration of the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse in the country.
Marwa, who was represented by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Suleiman Ahmed Ningi, said the destruction of the seized drugs reflected the resolve of the agency to dismantle illicit drug networks.
“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.
He expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for its support to the agency, including the allocation of land for the construction of a model state command headquarters.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairperson of the State Drug Control Committee, Edesili Anani, described drug abuse as a major threat to security and public health.
He warned drug traffickers to stay out of the state, pledging government support for the fight against narcotics and plans to establish a rehabilitation centre for drug users.
Senator representing Edo Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Joseph Ikpea, commended the NDLEA for its seizures and pledged legislative backing to strengthen the agency’s operations.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the command had intercepted drugs concealed in vehicles, trucks and even shrines, noting that officers had faced armed attacks in the course of duty.
He urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children, warning that wealth and comfort mean little if young people are exposed to drug abuse.
