….As Suspect Gives Reasons For Cultivation
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command has recorded a major milestone in the fight against illicit drugs as a suspected drug trafficker was arrested in Uroe, a community in Owan East Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was arrested in an intelligence-led raid operation where skunk cannabis weighing 457 kg was recovered inside an illicit warehouse.
According to the State Commander of the Anti-Narcotic Agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the raid operation was done on December 9, 2025.
The arrested suspect, Ohiomah Igbafe, 44, was found in possession of a massive haul of illicit substances, including 15 bags of cannabis sativa weighing a staggering 457 kilogrammes, alongside an additional sack containing four kilogrammes of cannabis seeds.
Commander Ofoyeju added that the arrest marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks in the state.
“The operation reflects our undying commitment to the eradication of drug trafficking within Edo State.
“The quantity of illegal drugs seized in this raid represents a serious threat to public health and safety. This level of success encourages us to continue to confront drug cartels relentlessly,” Ofeyeju said.
Details from the raid indicated that 12 large bags weighed 427 kilograms, while three sacks accounted for 30 kilograms of cannabis sativa, totalling 457 kilograms.
The seizure was uncovered at the suspect’s hideout in the Uroe community, prompting the immediate launch of further investigations.
Ofoyeju issued a stern warning to would-be traffickers, stressing that no individual or group can evade the vigilant eyes of law enforcement.
“We want to send a clear message that drug traffickers and their collaborators have no safe harbour in Edo State.
“The NDLEA will continue to track, arrest, and prosecute offenders in line with the NDLEA Act,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the suspect, Ohiomah Igbafe, said that he ventured into the illegal drug business because of the financial difficulties he found himself in.
According to him: “My involvement in drug trafficking is due to economic reasons. My father is late, and my mother has an eye challenge.
“My only brother is paralysed, and I am the breadwinner of the family. I was introduced to cannabis cultivation two years ago. I do not know how my wife and six children will survive without me. Please, I need help.”
According to Ofoyeju, “the seized drugs and the suspect have been taken into custody as investigations proceed.
“The NDLEA remains dedicated to safeguarding the state from the dangers posed by illicit drugs and calls on citizens to maintain vigilance and report suspicious activities.
This latest arrest and seizure underscore the critical role of intelligence gathering and proactive law enforcement in combating the menace of drug trafficking that threatens the fabric of our society.”