The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 73,463.21 kilograms of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances valued at N2.8bn in Edo State.
A public destruction exercise was held in Benin City on Thursday.
Cannabis sativa was the most commonly destroyed substance, accounting for 73,210.23 kilogrammes. Other substances destroyed included 246.36 kilograms of psychotropic drugs, including Tramadol (141.81 kg), Diazepam (8.43 kg), and Codeine cough syrup (61.77 kg), as well as 2.66 kilograms of methamphetamine, 3.74 kilograms of cocaine, and 0.22 kilogram.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (ret.), the NDLEA’s chairman and CEO, spoke at the ceremony and hailed the exercise as a show of the agency’s dedication to tackling drug trafficking and substance addiction.
Marwa, accompanied by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Suleiman Ningi, thanked the Edo State Government for its assistance, notably the granting of 20 plots of land for the development of a model state command headquarters.
He said, “The illicit drugs being destroyed today amount to 73,463.21 kilograms and are valued at N2.8bn.
“What we are gathered here to do transcends the physical act of burning contraband. We are, in the strongest terms, reaffirming our collective and unwavering resolve to confront, dismantle, and ultimately defeat the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.”
Marwa stated that the destruction of the narcotics demonstrated the agency’s dedication to rid communities of chemicals that can fuel crime, insecurity, and public health issues.
Monday Okpebholo, Edo State Governor, spoke as the special guest of honor, describing the fight against illicit substances as one against criminality and social deterioration.
The governor, represented by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, Edesili Anani, assured the agency of continued collaboration and announced plans to establish a modern rehabilitation center for people recovering from substance use disorders.
“This is not a moment for celebration alone; it is a moment for sober reflection and renewed commitment. The war on drugs is a war for the soul of our nation. It is a war against criminality, kidnapping, banditry, and the devastating health consequences of substance abuse,” he said.
He also issued a warning to drug traffickers, declaring, “Drug traffickers must leave Edo State because we are coming for them, and we will not relent until every gramme of illicit substance is seized and destroyed.”
Also speaking, Senator Joseph Ikpea of the Edo Central Senatorial District praised the NDLEA for its accomplishments in drug interdiction and promised legislative assistance to boost the agency’s activities.
“Every kilogramme of cocaine, every bag of cannabis, and every sachet of tramadol and codeine destroyed today represents lives saved from the catastrophic effects of drug abuse. Your work is dangerous and often underfunded, yet you continue to fill critical gaps in our national security architecture,” he said.
Ikpea informed the agency that he will continue to advocate for greater financing, welfare packages, equipment, and legal support.
Earlier, the NDLEA’s Edo State Commander, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, emphasized the command’s accomplishment in intercepting illicit narcotics throughout the state.
According to him, operatives had detained vehicles and articulated trucks transporting drugs, arrested suspects of all ages and genders, and discovered narcotics hidden in strange places, including shrines.
“We have intercepted cars and articulated trucks laden with drugs. We have apprehended both the young and the old, male and female, and have even recovered drugs hidden in shrines. We have also come under attack from armed criminals in the course of our duties, but we remain undeterred in executing our mandate,” Ofoyeju said.
He charged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the growing menace of substance abuse among young people.
“We may provide our children with quality education, good food, clothing, and financial support, but if we fail to protect them from drug and substance abuse, we have failed in our responsibility to them,” he added.
