NDLEA uncovers N1.4b worth cannabis warehouse, intercepts truckload of illicit drug in Benue

By ABBAS JIMOH

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has uncovered a warehouse of cannabis Sativa in the suburb of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Spokesman of the agency, Jonah Achema, said on Saturday in Abuja that the agency also intercepted a truckload of the same illicit drug in the state.

He recalled that the agency, last week, arrested seven drug barons operating four large warehouses in Ukpuje forest, Owan Local Government Area of Edo State, where a total of 16,344 bags of cannabis and seeds weighing 233, 778 kilograms were seized, in addition to two pump-action and one double-barrel gun.

According to him, the estimated street value of the seized illicit drug in Edo was put at over N1.4bn.

Giving a breakdown of the Benue drug seizure while briefing the Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, Brig-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, the state commander of NDLEA, Mrs Florence Ezeonye, said the total number of bags of cannabis seized during the operation weighs 1,578 kilogram.

According to her: “Operatives of the NDLEA Benue State command intercepted in Makurdi, an empty trailer from Awka, Anambra State heading to Lafia, Nasarawa State but when properly searched, 600 blocks of compressed cannabis Sativa weighing 600kg were discovered in a compartment constructed under the flat belly of the truck,” Ezeonye said.

According to her, the mode of concealment was first of its kind.

She added: “Another seizure was made when our men stormed a warehouse filled with drugs harvested by some farmers at the suburb of Guma LGA by 3 am.

“The total number of illicit drug evacuated from the warehouse weighs 978kg.

“The drug dealers shot at my men on sighting them but their attack was repelled and as such, we did not record any casualty.” (Daily Trust)