According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) Edo State Command, 220 alleged drug barons were apprehended in the state between February and June of 2024.
Mr. Callys Alumona, the agency’s state commander, revealed this information at a celebration in Benin City to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking.
In the meantime, 115 individuals are presently on trial at the Federal High Court in Benin City, he continued, adding that the agency has obtained eighteen convictions.
He also said that of the four drug lords the CIA had on its watchlist, two had been apprehended and charged with crimes, while the other two were being monitored.
He claims that 1,676,994 kilograms of hard drugs were taken into custody.
Alumona further stated that throughout the time frame, 14 cannabis plantations totaling 18.5 hectares and roughly 46,251.433 kg of the drug were destroyed.
He clarified that 154 suspected drug users received counseling as part of the agency’s rehabilitation and counseling program, eight of whom were indoor customers.
He said, “It is interesting to note that we are making progress in eradicating substance use in Edo state, particularly in the areas of Ihama road, Boundary road, TV road, Sapele road axis of Benin, Ekpoma, Uromi, Auchi, Igarra, Abudu, and others.”
Nonetheless, he noted the difficulties facing the agency as being insufficiently functional operating vehicles and the public’s reluctance to provide reliable information.