The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has detained three alleged drug traffickers and destroyed five cannabis fields.
This was made known today in a statement by the state commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, and made available to journalists in Benin, the state capital.
But Ofoyeju, however, warned that the cannabis farms were increasingly taking over the forests and asked on Local Government chairmen in the state to work with the NDLEA to check the illegal growing of cannabis.
The Command has intensified its fight against drug-related activities, he said, adding that successful operations resulted in the destruction of the cannabis farms and the arrest of the suspects. He said the command seized large quantities of psychotropic substances, including tramadol, codeine cough syrups and diazepam, among others.
“We have arrested three suspected drug traffickers and destroyed five cannabis plantations,” he said. “The cannabis farms are gradually taking over our forests and I am calling on the local government chairmen to join hands with the NDLEA to check the illicit cultivation of cannabis.
“We can’t go on like this, because what was a small garden is becoming a big plantation. Within the past fortnight these farms have been demolished. “We need the active collaboration of chairmen of local government councils, who are closer to the people,” said Mitchell.
The statement said, “A total of five cannabis farms were found and eradicated. Two farms measuring 0.928744 hectares were located at Monday Camp, Usen Forest, Ovia South West Local Government Area. Two farms measuring 1.004278 hectares were located at Igwe-Oke Forest, Owan East Local Government Area while one farm measuring 0.336646 hectares was observed at Ogboha Forest, Owan West Local Government Area of the State. The plantations were 2.269668 hectares with an expected output of 5,674.17kg.
Meanwhile, a 39-year-old male suspect, Sunday Segun was arrested at the spot during the operation at Ogboha Forest in Owan West LGA.
“Similarly, at Bob-Izua Park, New Road, Okada town, one Hassan Mohammed was arrested with 7.1kg of cannabis. He had also in his possession three lethal knives and charms. “The fight against psychotropic substances has made significant progress as well.”
In Auchi, the command’s anti-narcotics operations also intercepted a car loaded with a considerable quantity of different illicit drugs during a patrol operation.
“The seizure included 590 bottles of codeine syrup, 50,000 Tramadol 100mg capsules, 100 Tramadol 225mg tablets and 25,000 Diazepam tablets. “A 25-year-old Jamie Zubaru was arrested and is helping narcotics officers with their further investigation,” he added.
The illicit drug trade would continue to be fought by the command to ensure the protection of the people and community health, Ofoyeju added.
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