In a series of successful operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disrupted drug trafficking activities across Edo State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Perhaps the most unusual bust occurred in Benin City, where NDLEA operatives raided a shrine in the Igor community. Following a tip, the agency discovered a cleverly concealed storage compartment within the shrine’s wall.
Hidden behind wallpapers and fetish objects, a large hole served as a stash house for a significant quantity of illegal drugs.
The recovered narcotics included methamphetamine, Loud, Colorado, and Arizona strains of cannabis, totalling a staggering 8.743 kilograms.
The operation wasn’t without its challenges.
According to a statement released by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the shrine was guarded by a “big black snake” that needed to be “demobilized” before officers could secure the drugs and apprehend two female suspects, Sonia Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani.
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NDLEA’s efforts extended beyond Benin City.
In a separate operation conducted on June 22nd, officers raided the Usen forest in Ovia South West Local Government Area.
This raid resulted in the arrest of two suspects, Obi Ferguson and Ernest Abanum, and the seizure of 209 kilograms of cannabis along with a motorcycle believed to be used for transport.
Further expanding their reach, NDLEA operatives in Abuja intercepted a suspicious vehicle on June 18th.
A white Nissan Frontier pickup truck, complete with misleading amber lights and a fake security agency registration number, was stopped near Kiyi village in the Kuje area.
Upon inspection, the vehicle was found to be loaded with a massive haul of cannabis – 454 compressed blocks weighing a total of 340.8 kilograms.
The investigation led to the arrest of 76-year-old Mr. Francis Omofa, who authorities believe was linked to the illicit shipment originating from Uzeba in Edo State.
