104 Arrested as NDLEA Recovers N1.8bn Worth of Cocaine, Heroin, and Cannabis

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a massive victory in the war against organized crime, intercepting illicit substances valued at a staggering N1.8 billion within the first three months of 2026.

The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, made this disclosure on Tuesday while presenting the command’s first-quarter operational scorecard in Benin. He revealed that a total of 18,380 kilogrammes of assorted narcotics were hauled in during various intelligence-led raids across the state.

According to the commander, the operation led to the arrest of 104 suspected drug traffickers, comprising 71 males and 33 females. The breakdown of the seized contraband includes a massive 18,293kg of cannabis, alongside quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and over 81 litres of codeine cough syrup. In a major blow to local production, the agency also destroyed 10 cannabis farms spanning over five hectares.

The command’s legal offensive was equally potent, securing 36 convictions at the Federal High Court in Benin City during the period under review. Beyond enforcement, the agency intensified its “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) initiative, reaching out to the public through 26 different educational programmes and successfully rehabilitating 28 drug-dependent individuals.

In line with the motivation policy of the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), the event featured an award ceremony where ten outstanding officers were honored for their gallantry and resourcefulness. Recognition was also extended to four journalists and a legal aid lawyer for their consistent partnership in the fight against the drug scourge.

Marking a new milestone in public engagement, the command also officially launched the maiden edition of its in-house magazine. Commander Ofoyeju emphasized that the publication is designed to document the agency’s success stories and serve as a vital tool in educating the populace on the grave dangers of illicit drug use, reinforcing the collective resolve to secure a drug-free society.