The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday incinerated narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances estimated to be worth about ₦2.8 billion in Benin City.
According to the agency, a total of 73,463.21 kilogrammes of confiscated illicit substances were destroyed during the operation.
Cannabis sativa made up the largest portion of the seized drugs, accounting for 73,210.23 kilogrammes, while psychotropic substances totalled 246.36 kilogrammes. The latter included Tramadol (141.81kg), Diazepam (8.43kg), and Codeine syrup (61.77kg).
The destruction exercise also covered 2.66 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine, 3.74 kilogrammes of Cocaine, and 0.21 kilogrammes of Heroin.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the exercise as a demonstration of the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse in the country.
Marwa, who was represented by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Suleiman Ahmed Ningi, said the destruction of the seized drugs reflected the resolve of the agency to dismantle illicit drug networks.
“What we are gathered here to do transcends the physical act of burning contraband. We are, in the most powerful terms, reaffirming our collective and unshakeable resolve to confront, dismantle, and ultimately defeat the menace of drug abuse,” Marwa said.
He expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for its support to the agency, including the allocation of land for the construction of a model state command headquarters.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairperson of the State Drug Control Committee, Edesili Anani, described drug abuse as a major threat to security and public health.
He warned drug traffickers to stay out of the state, pledging government support for the fight against narcotics and plans to establish a rehabilitation centre for drug users.
Senator representing Edo Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Joseph Ikpea, commended the NDLEA for its seizures and pledged legislative backing to strengthen the agency’s operations.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the command had intercepted drugs concealed in vehicles, trucks and even shrines, noting that officers had faced armed attacks in the course of duty.
He urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children, warning that wealth and comfort mean little if young people are exposed to drug abuse.
