NDLEA arrests two, impounds vehicles loaded with cannabis

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said it has arrested two persons who were transporting cannabis along the Benin-Akure Road.

In a statement by the state commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, on Thursday, he stated that the arrests were effected on November 13 during a patrol by operatives of the command.

He said, “The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, has intercepted two vehicles loaded with cannabis sativa during a motorised patrol along the Benin-Akure Road.

“Both vehicles allegedly took off from the Uyere Community in the Ovia North East Local Government Area, heading towards Benin City, when they were caught.

According to Ofoyeju, both vehicles have been confiscated as instruments of crime.

“The first vehicle contained 38 bags of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis, weighing 494 kg, while the second vehicle had 46 bags of cannabis weighing 552 kg, with a combined weight of 1,046 kg. The vehicles have been confiscated as instruments of narcotic crime.”

“The operation took place on November 13, 2025, when NDLEA officers intercepted a Mercedes-Benz V-Boot with registration number DE311BEN, carrying 38 bags of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa.

“The driver, identified as Felix Edah, a 45-year-old male from Delta State, was immediately arrested at the Ugbogiobo Community. The total weight of the seized cannabis sativa amounted to 494 kilograms. Felix Edah has since been taken to the NDLEA office in Benin City for further investigation.

“The second suspect, Lucky Abagha, 51, was also apprehended on the Benin-Akure Road while driving a Mercedes-Benz V-Boot with registration number JJJ 56 JW, registered in Lagos. His vehicle was discovered to be loaded with 46 bags of cannabis sativa, weighing a total of 552 kilograms. Like Edah, Abagha has been detained for further questioning.”

The state commander confirmed that investigations into both cases were underway, noting that the agency is committed to curbing drug trafficking and enforcing drug laws in the state.

“These arrests are part of our ongoing efforts to tackle drug-related crimes and dismantle trafficking networks operating within Edo State, especially as we are approaching the yuletide season,” Ofoyeju stated.

The NDLEA urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in reporting suspicious activities related to drug trafficking, reinforcing the collective responsibility in the fight against drugs in the country.

PUNCH Metro reported last Wednesday that the command destroyed nine cannabis farms in the state.

Ofoyeju noted that the Edo State Government and the NDLEA were strategising to address the problem of cannabis cultivation in the state.

He also said the drug control measures aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices were discussed during the visit.