The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 49 suspected drug traffickers and seized more than 2.5 tonnes of illicit drugs during a series of intelligence-led operations carried out across the state in July.

The State Commander, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the operational achievements on Friday during the decoration ceremony of 73 newly promoted officers at the command headquarters in Benin City.

According to Ofoyeju, a total of 49 suspects comprising 29 women and 20 men were arrested during the operations. He described the higher number of female suspects as a disturbing trend, warning that it reflects changing patterns in the illicit drug trade and growing socio-economic pressures.

“We observed that females topped the list of persons arrested. This is concerning, as it highlights a shift in the socio-economic vulnerability of women and a breakdown of traditional family stability,” Ofoyeju said.

He added that the command was developing strategies focused on family value reorientation, public awareness and rehabilitation to address the emerging trend.

The commander said operatives recovered a total of 2,596.29 kilograms of illicit drugs, including 2,588.4 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 6.13 kilograms of psychotropic substances, 1.68 kilograms of methamphetamine, 71 grams of cocaine and five grams of heroin. Officers also seized 15.3 litres of codeine syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide, popularly known as “laughing gas.”

As part of the crackdown, NDLEA operatives uncovered three illegal drug warehouses, two in Benin City and another in Illushi, Esan South-East Local Government Area.

The agency also impounded two vehicles allegedly used for transporting illicit drugs—a Toyota Sienna with Ondo registration number NND 975 AG and a Toyota Camry with Edo registration number BEN 503 BK.

In a separate operation, anti-narcotics officers destroyed a cannabis plantation measuring more than 0.64 hectares in Egbisi Forest, Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

Ofoyeju said the operations formed part of the agency’s sustained efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks, disrupt supply chains and reduce the availability of illicit substances across Edo State.

The commander also decorated 73 officers recently promoted by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, describing the promotions as recognition of dedication, professionalism and outstanding service.

He urged the promoted personnel to see their new ranks as a call to greater responsibility and to remain committed to professionalism, integrity and intelligence-driven operations.

“The promotion comes with greater expectations. You must continue to uphold the highest ethical standards and intensify efforts to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates operating within and beyond Edo State,” he said.

The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive enforcement operations while expanding drug demand reduction, public sensitisation and rehabilitation programmes aimed at curbing substance abuse and drug-related crimes across the state.