The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in a joint operation with the Nigerian Army, has uncovered a four-bedroom bungalow allegedly being used as a warehouse for storing large quantities of cannabis in Edo State.
The operation, carried out in the Illushi community of Esan South-East Local Government Area, led to the recovery of 1,359 kilograms of cannabis and cannabis seeds, marking one of the agency’s significant seizures in the state this year.
According to the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the raid was conducted following intelligence gathered by security operatives.
Massive Cannabis Stockpile Recovered During Raid
The agency disclosed that officers discovered a huge cache of cannabis inside the residential property, including:
- 1,273kg of skunk cannabis
- 86kg of cannabis seeds
- 52 giant bags of cannabis
- Three gallons filled with cannabis seeds
- One additional bag containing cannabis seeds
The illegal substances were immediately evacuated from the building after the operation.
Two Suspects Arrested
The raid also resulted in the arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to the warehouse.
Those arrested include:
- Ojore Onweze (45) – allegedly found with 60kg of cannabis
- George Agwumede (30) – allegedly caught with more than 13kg of cannabis
Both suspects are currently in NDLEA custody as investigations continue.
NDLEA Raises Alarm Over Residential Drug Warehouses
Reacting to the operation, Ofoyeju expressed concern over the increasing use of residential buildings to hide and store illegal drugs.
He described the development as a serious threat to public safety, warning that criminal networks must not be allowed to turn peaceful communities into centres for drug trafficking.
The commander stated that the successful operation demonstrates the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating across Edo State.
He also stressed that tackling drug abuse and illegal drug distribution requires support from community leaders, residents, and other stakeholders, noting that protecting young people and vulnerable members of society remains a top priority.
NDLEA Commends Nigerian Army
The NDLEA commander praised the Nigerian Army for its collaboration during the operation, describing the partnership as crucial to the success of the raid.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could help security agencies identify drug traffickers and illegal drug storage facilities within their communities.
Investigation Continues
Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals connected to the illegal warehouse and uncover the full network behind the operation.
The NDLEA reiterated that it remains committed to eliminating drug trafficking activities across Edo State and bringing everyone involved in the illegal trade to justice.
