The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, on Thursday destroyed 73,463.21 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances valued at N2.8 billion, in a move officials described as a major step toward protecting communities and saving lives from the devastating effects of drug abuse.
The destroyed exhibits were made up largely of Cannabis sativa, which accounted for 73,210.23 kilogrammes. Other substances destroyed included 246.36 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances such as Tramadol (141.81kg), Diazepam (8.4258kg), and Codeine cough syrup (61.7652kg).
Also destroyed were 2.662 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine, 3.7441 kilogrammes of Cocaine, and 0.2168 kilogrammes of Heroin.
Speaking during the destruction exercise in Benin City, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), represented by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Suleiman Ahmed Ningi, said the event was more than the burning of illicit substances.
“What we are gathered here to do transcends the physical act of burning contraband. We are reaffirming our collective and unshakeable resolve to confront, dismantle, and ultimately defeat the menace of drug abuse,” Marwa stated.
He also expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for its support, particularly the allocation of 20 plots of land for the construction of a model State Command Headquarters.
Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, Mrs Edesili Anani, described the fight against drugs as a battle against criminality, kidnapping, banditry and the health dangers associated with substance abuse.
She disclosed that the state government plans to establish a modern rehabilitation centre for people recovering from drug use disorders and warned drug traffickers to stay away from the state.
“This is not a moment for celebration alone; it is a moment for sober reflection and recommitment. The war on drugs is a war for the soul of our nation,” she said on behalf of the governor.
Senator Joseph Ikpea, representing Edo Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, commended the NDLEA for the massive seizures and destruction of illicit substances.
According to him, every kilogramme of cocaine, every bag of cannabis and every sachet of tramadol and codeine destroyed represents lives rescued from the catastrophic effects of drug abuse.
He pledged continued legislative support, improved funding, better welfare and stronger legal backing for anti-narcotic operations across the country.
Providing insight into the operations that led to the seizures, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, revealed that officers had intercepted vehicles and articulated trucks loaded with drugs, arrested suspects across different age groups and genders, and uncovered drugs concealed in shrines.
Despite attacks by armed criminals during operations, Ofoyeju said officers remained committed to their mandate.
“We may give our children money, the best schools, good food and clothing, but if we fail to protect them from drug and substance abuse, we have indeed given them nothing,” he said.
The destruction of the drugs underscores the scale of the narcotics challenge in Edo State and highlights the determination of law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to protect young people and communities from the dangers of illicit substances.
