The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has destroyed 73,463.21 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances valued at N2.8bn in Edo State.
The public destruction exercise was carried out on Thursday in Benin City.
A breakdown of the destroyed exhibits showed that Cannabis sativa accounted for the largest share, with 73,210.23 kilogrammes. Other substances destroyed included 246.36 kilogrammes of psychotropic drugs, comprising Tramadol (141.81kg), Diazepam (8.43kg) and Codeine cough syrup (61.77kg).
Also destroyed were 2.66 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, 3.74 kilogrammes of cocaine and 0.22 kilogrammes of heroin.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman and 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 substance abuse.
Represented by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Suleiman Ningi, Marwa 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.
He said, “The illicit drugs being destroyed today amount to 73,463.21 kilogrammes and are valued at N2.8bn.
“What we are gathered here to do transcends the physical act of burning contraband. We are, in the strongest terms, reaffirming our collective and unwavering resolve to confront, dismantle and ultimately defeat the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.”
Marwa noted that the destruction of the drugs underscored the agency’s determination to rid communities of substances capable of fuelling crime, insecurity and public health challenges.
Speaking as the special guest of honour, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, described the fight against illicit drugs as a battle against criminality and social decay.
Represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Edo State, and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, Edesili Anani, the governor assured the agency of continued collaboration and disclosed plans to establish a modern rehabilitation centre for persons recovering from substance use disorders.
“This is not a moment for celebration alone; it is a moment for sober reflection and renewed commitment. The war on drugs is a war for the soul of our nation. It is a war against criminality, kidnapping, banditry and the devastating health consequences of substance abuse,” he said.
He also issued a stern warning to drug traffickers, declaring, “Drug traffickers must leave Edo State because we are coming for them, and we will not relent until every gram of illicit substance is seized and destroyed.”
Also speaking, Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Joseph Ikpea, commended the NDLEA for its achievements in drug interdiction and pledged legislative support to strengthen the agency’s operations.
“Every kilogramme of cocaine, every bag of cannabis, and every sachet of tramadol and codeine destroyed today represents lives saved from the catastrophic effects of drug abuse. Your work is dangerous and often underfunded, yet you continue to fill critical gaps in our national security architecture,” he said.
Ikpea assured the agency of continued advocacy for improved funding, welfare packages, equipment and legal backing.
Earlier, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, highlighted the command’s successes in intercepting illicit drugs across the state.
According to him, operatives had intercepted vehicles and articulated trucks conveying drugs, arrested suspects across age groups and genders, and uncovered narcotics concealed in unusual locations, including shrines.
“We have intercepted cars and articulated trucks laden with drugs. We have apprehended both the young and the old, male and female, and have even recovered drugs hidden in shrines. We have also come under attack from armed criminals in the course of our duties, but we remain undeterred in executing our mandate,” Ofoyeju said.
He urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the growing menace of substance abuse among young people.
“We may provide our children with quality education, good food, clothing and financial support, but if we fail to protect them from drug and substance abuse, we have failed in our responsibility to them,” he added.