The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has destroyed more than 18,000kg of cannabis sativa in a major raid on a forest in Edo and arrested four suspects linked to the illicit farm.
Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, Commander of the Edo command of the agency told newsmen on Monday in Benin that the operation, carried out on Sept. 11, targeted Ugbogui Forest in Ovia South West Local Government.
According to him, the operation, which is as a result of intelligence reports, is part of efforts to cut off supply lines of illicit drugs while warning of its impact on food production.
“The operation, which was based on actionable intelligence is posing a serious threat to food security.
“If these forests can be utilised only for the cultivation of food and cash crops, the challenge of food shortage will be adequately addressed,” Ofoyeju said.
The NDLEA commander disclosed that the destroyed plantation spanned about 6.79 hectares, with an estimated yield of more than 16,966 kilogrammes.
In addition, he said the operatives recovered 112 bags of harvested and processed cannabis weighing 1,176kg.
Ofoyeju described the exercise as a “bold step” in safeguarding communities from the dangers of drugs.
“This operation underscores the agency’s commitment to combatting drug cultivation in the state, thereby reinforcing our efforts to rid our communities of the dangers posed by illicit drugs,” he said.
He said the suspects, names withheld, from Delta and Akwa Ibom states, were caught taken refuge in tents within the farm, adding that they would soon be charged in court.
Ofoyeju urged the public to share credible intelligence with the agency, stressing that NDLEA “remains vigilant in promoting public health and safety.”
