The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, in collaboration with personnel from the Nigerian Army, has recovered 65 bags of skunk cannabis 604.5kg in a raid in the state.

Commander of the state NDLEA,  Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the raid was carried out at a notorious drug hub in Ewe Luleha, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, on August 5, 2026.

He said the command has launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspected drug kingpin identified as Sunday, noting that he would be arrested soon.

“The operation carried out by men of the NDLEA and personnel of the Nigerian Army resulted in the seizure of 65 bags of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis, weighing 604.5kg.

“We are tracking the suspected drug kingpin, one Sunday, who is in hiding following the recovery of the 604.5kg of cannabis in the operation. He has nowhere to hide because we will certainly apprehend him.”

In a separate operation to rid the state of illicit drugs, Ofoyeju said nine suspected drug peddlers were apprehended across various hot spots in the state. Among the arrested was Musa Muhammed, a 58-year-old grandfather, alongside eight others (four males and four females) who were found in possession of assorted illicit substances.

He said that Musa who hails from Bauchi, was caught with Cannabis sativa: 280 grams, Loud: 35 grams, Colorado: 1.4 grams; Ebere Anthony, 55 years old, from Delta, was arrested with Cannabis sativa 1.5kg; Gift Oliseyenum 31 years old, from Delta, was caught with Cannabis sativa 74 grams, Loud 45 grams, Colorado 2.5 grams, methamphetamine 4.7 grams; Boniface George 27 years old, from Delta, was found with Cannabis sativa: 195 grams; and Muzamilu Mustapha 28 years old, from Katsina, was arrested with Loud: 40 grams, and Cannabis sativa: 80 grams.

Others, according to Ofoyeju, are Faustina Peter, 27 years old, and Chucks Odili 36 years old, both from Delta, were found with Loud 35 grams, Colorado 10 grams and methamphetamine 0.8 grams; Anna Agbona 17 years old, from Edo State, was caught with Tramadol: 25 grams; and Julius Enebuli 42 years old, from Delta, was caught with Cannabis sativa: 1 kilogram, Loud: 65 grams, and Colorado: 15 grams.

The Commander commended the substantial impact of the operation in the ongoing battle against narcotics in the state.

He emphasised that the fight against drug trafficking remains a top priority for the agency and assured the public of ongoing investigations into drug-related activities and diligent prosecution within the state.

“These arrests and drug seizures not only highlight the efforts of law enforcement but also signify the increasing need for community involvement in reporting illicit activities, as the agency continues its mission to rid society of drug-related issues.

“I urge members of the public to provide any information that may lead to the apprehension of the fleeing suspect and to support ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State”, Ofoyeju added.