Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army, have uncovered and dismantled a suspected illicit drug warehouse in Illushi community, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, recovering a total of 1,359 kilogrammes of cannabis and cannabis seeds during a coordinated intelligence-led operation.
The successful raid, carried out at a four-bedroom bungalow allegedly converted into a storage facility for illegal drugs, marks another significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat drug trafficking and dismantle criminal networks operating across the country.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, describing the operation as the result of credible intelligence gathered over time. According to him, the joint operation with the Nigerian Army targeted a residential property that had been transformed into a warehouse for the large-scale storage and distribution of cannabis.
He explained that operatives thoroughly searched the building during the raid, leading to the recovery of 52 giant bags of cannabis, several containers filled with cannabis seeds and other exhibits believed to be linked to the illicit drug trade.
According to the NDLEA commander, the total quantity of exhibits recovered included approximately 1,273 kilogrammes of cannabis and 86 kilograms of cannabis seeds, bringing the total seizure to 1,359 kilogrammes.
The agency also arrested two suspected drug traffickers in connection with the operation.
The suspects were identified as Ojore Onweze, aged 45, who was allegedly found in possession of about 60 kilogrammes of cannabis, and George Agwumede, aged 30, who was reportedly linked to another 13 kilogrammes of the illicit substance.
Ofoyeju stated that preliminary investigations suggest that the property served as a major distribution point for cannabis within and beyond Edo State, adding that further investigations are ongoing to identify the owners of the warehouse, financiers of the operation and other members of the suspected drug trafficking network.
He expressed concern over the increasing trend of criminal syndicates using residential buildings to conceal large quantities of illicit drugs, warning that such activities pose serious security and public health risks to surrounding communities.
According to him, turning residential homes into drug storage facilities not only exposes innocent residents to criminal activities but also creates an environment capable of encouraging substance abuse, violence and other related crimes.
The NDLEA commander called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within their communities, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to the success of the agency’s fight against drug trafficking.
He reiterated the commitment of the NDLEA to intensifying intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and strategic collaboration with other security agencies to dismantle drug cartels and prevent the circulation of narcotic substances across Nigeria.
Ofoyeju commended the officers involved in the operation as well as the Nigerian Army for their support and professionalism, noting that inter-agency cooperation continues to strengthen efforts aimed at tackling organised crime and protecting communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.
He assured residents that investigations into the case would continue until every individual connected with the operation is identified and brought to justice.
According to him, authorities are already pursuing additional leads that may expose wider criminal networks linked to the warehouse.
