In a significant crackdown on illicit drug trade, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo, Nigeria, has seized a staggering 53,520.80kg of assorted drugs, valued at over N777 million, in the first half of 2025. This massive haul was announced by Mitchell Ofoyeju, the NDLEA Commander in Edo, during a media briefing to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The NDLEA’s efforts have also led to the arrest of 28-year-old Esther Abumere, a university student who was found to be peddling narcotics under the guise of operating a supermarket in Ekpoma, a university town. The suspect’s arrest serves as a warning to drug barons that they will be caught and brought to justice, regardless of their attempts to disguise their activities. As Commander Ofoyeju emphasized, “Her arrest is a strong warning to drug barons that, notwithstanding the disguise, they will be smoked out.”
The drugs seized from Abumere’s supermarket included 31g of Colorado, a potent synthetic variant of cannabis, 763g of Canadian loud, another strong variant of cannabis, as well as various quantities of Tramadol capsules. Additionally, the agency found 146 tablets of Swinol, 93 tablets of Rohypnol, and 56 tablets of Molly, further highlighting the scope of the illicit drug trade in the region.
During interrogation, Abumere claimed that she had ventured into the drug business to pay off a loan from a microfinance bank. This alarming trend underscores the need for comprehensive drug supply control and prevention interventions, as emphasized by Commander Ofoyeju: “We have a responsibility under the law to protect every citizen through comprehensive drug supply control and prevention interventions.”
The NDLEA’s efforts have also led to the destruction of 18 cannabis farms in the state, as well as securing 24 convictions within the reporting period. Moreover, the agency has provided counseling interventions to 194 clients and rehabilitated 19 individuals battling drug use disorders, in line with its mandate. Commander Ofoyeju urged the public to support the agency by reporting suspicious drug-related activities, emphasizing the link between drug abuse and pervasive crimes like cultism and kidnapping.
In a strong message to drug traffickers, Commander Ofoyeju declared, “These enemies of the state can run but cannot hide. We will catch them, seize their drugs, trace their illicit wealth, and prosecute them.” The NDLEA’s crackdown on the illicit drug trade serves as a testament to its commitment to protecting citizens and upholding the law, and its efforts will undoubtedly contribute to a safer and healthier society.
