Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Edo State, has seized two truckloads of cannabis weighing 7,245kg concealed in cartons of beer.
Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this while addressing Journalists in Benin City.
He said the first truck with the registration no. OYO LUY 172 XC conveyed 260 bags weighing 3,900kg while the second with registration no. OYO LUY 281 XC carried 223 bags weighing 3,345kg adding that, the two trucks held a total of 483 bags weighing 7,245kg.
Commander Ofoyeju revealed that the market value of the impounded cannabis is N724,000,500.
According to,”Ofoyeju On Saturday, April 11, 2026, our dedicated team intercepted two articulated trucks loaded with a whopping 7,245 kilograms of skunk cannabis.
“This operation marks a historic moment for our command, as it is the first time in our history that we have intercepted two trucks carrying illicit drugs at once. It was the culmination of seventy-two hours of meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance by officers of the command.
“This remarkable achievement has dealt a substantial blow to inter-state drug trafficking networks operating within our jurisdiction.
“Let me at this point commend the officers involved in this operation for their unwavering commitment and meticulous execution. This successful interception is a validation of our intelligence-driven operations and the operational precision we adhere to in the fight against drug trafficking.
“This seizure serves as a clear message to drug barons and traffickers that Edo State is not a safe haven for criminal activities.
“The volume of this seizure, which is over seven metric tonnes of cannabis, highlights the scale of the threat we face and emphasises the importance of our mission.
“Upon intercepting the trucks on the critical Auchi-Abuja Road, we conducted thorough searches that revealed hundreds of bags of processed cannabis cleverly concealed within cartons of beer.
“A field test confirmed the substance as skunk cannabis, a highly potent and dangerous variant that poses a serious threat to our communities and youth”,.
Ofoyeju added that, preliminary investigation indicated that the illicit shipment originated from Sabongida-Ora in Owan West LGA and was destined for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, before the interception.
The agency boss said the suspects are all indigenes of Etsako East and Etsako West Local government areas of the state.
He noted that the trucks and exhibits have been moved to the command headquarters in Benin City for further documentation and investigation, which has commenced in earnest.
He said both trucks will be confiscated as instrumentalities of drug crime.
He assured the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing to uncover the networks behind this large-scale trafficking and bring all parties involved to justice.
He said this seizure not only prevents these drugs from reaching the streets but also protects countless lives, particularly those of our youth, from the devastating consequences of drug abuse.
He further called for continued support from citizens, urging them to provide timely information to aid
the agency’s work in safeguarding communities.
