A joint task force consisting of the Edo State NDLEA and the Nigerian Army recently executed a raid on a four-bedroom bungalow in the Illushi community, Esan South-East Local Government Area, which was being utilized to store illegal drugs. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Edo State NDLEA Commander, confirmed the operation on Tuesday in Benin City.
Authorities discovered a massive cache of narcotics, including 1,273kg of cannabis and 86kg of cannabis seeds, amounting to 1,359kg in total. Two suspects, 45-year-old Ojore Onweze and 30-year-old George Agwumede, were taken into custody during the operation. They were found in possession of 60kg and over 13kg of cannabis, respectively.
Ofoyeju expressed significant alarm regarding the emerging practice of using private residential properties to hoard illicit substances, characterizing it as a major threat to public safety. He emphasized the necessity of community vigilance and collaboration to stop drug trafficking.
Highlighting the success of the mission, the Commander praised the partnership with the military and called for ongoing public support to shield vulnerable populations from drug influence. An investigation remains active as officials seek to identify further members of the distribution network.
