Edo Sees Rise in Female Drug Traffickers as NDLEA Makes 49 Arrests

The Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, has revealed that a significant number of females have been arrested for suspected drug trafficking in the state. During a ceremony held at the command's headquarters in Benin, where 73 personnel were promoted, Ofoyeju disclosed that out of the 49 suspects apprehended in July, 29 were females, while 20 were males. This trend, according to Ofoyeju, highlights the socio-economic vulnerability of women and the erosion of traditional family stability. The commander also stated that a total of 2,596.29 kilograms of illicit drugs were seized during the month, with cannabis leading the list at 2,588.4 kilograms, followed by psychotropic substances at 6.13 kilograms, cocaine at 0.071 kilograms, heroin at 0.005 kilograms, and methamphetamine at 1.68 kilograms. Additionally, the agency intercepted two vehicles, a Toyota Sienna and a Toyota Camry, used in transporting cannabis, and detected three warehouses in the state. Ofoyeju noted that the command destroyed a cannabis farm in the Egbisi Forest of Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, which measured 0.640903 hectares and was estimated to yield around 1,602.26 kilograms of cannabis. The command also secured convictions in four notable drug cases during the month. Speaking on the promoted personnel, Ofoyeju emphasized that their elevation was a result of hard work, sacrifice, loyalty, and commitment to service, and that promotion in the NDLEA is earned through diligence, integrity, and outstanding performance. He urged the newly promoted personnel to increase their momentum in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, as their new rank comes with greater responsibility and higher expectations.