Many farmers across Edo State are still cultivating Cannabis farms even as the NDLEA says it is leaving no stone unturned in tracking and destroying the farms while apprehending and prosecuting those behind them.
Commander of Narcotics, Edo State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in Benin City at a programme to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is celebrated annually on 26th June. He also harped on the need for a collective collaboration in the fight against drug abuse at a programme to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is celebrated annually on 26th June
He said, “The Edo State Command within the last six months has successfully arrested 209 suspected drug traffickers across the State, consisting of 129 males and 80 females.
“We also intercepted 53,520.80kg of drugs. We discovered and destroyed 18 cannabis farms and won the conviction of 24 drug offenders, comprising 20 males and four females.”
According to him, “The fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking is not an isolated struggle; it calls for a united front. I have directed all my Field commanders to leave no stone unturned in apprehending drug barons and their associates. They either quit the criminal act or be arrested and made to face the law.
The day also known as World Drug Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 7th December, 1987 to raise awareness of global drug crises and promote multilateral action toward prevention, treatment, and research toward achieving a drug-free society. The year 2025 theme is “Break the Cycle.