SUSPECTED DRUG BARON ABANDONS 498KG CANNABIS IN EDO SHRINE

 SUSPECTED DRUG BARON ABANDONS 498KG CANNABIS IN EDO SHRINE 

A suspected drug baron has reportedly abandoned four hundred and ninety-eight kilograms (498kg) of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis inside a shrine in Edo State..

 The Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, said that narcotic agents recovered the illicit drugs abandoned by some members of the drug syndicate operating in the Owan East Local Government Area.

The seizure was made while acting on a credible intelligence report that led to a coordinated raid at Igwe Community on 22 May 2026. The operation led to the recovery of 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, as well as 9 kilograms of cannabis seeds. 

The exhibits were found abandoned by the prime suspect, a notorious drug baron known as Asrenre, who is at large inside a shrine.

Although there was resistance from some youth members of the community who claimed that the location was the sacred home of their deities, the officers insisted on conducting the search only to discover the bags of cannabis, Mitchell explained. 

Mitchell warned that the agency will continue to hunt drug barons and their deadly drugs notwithstanding the location. The NDLEA Act empowers us to search anywhere narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are believed to have been concealed. We will continue to be steps ahead of drug criminals through superior intelligence and compliance with the standard operating procedures. 

Meanwhile, the command has immediately launched a manhunt for the fleeing drug suspect. In a related operation within the same community, our officers arrested Sunday Oghaimen, a 50-year-old male, in possession of 945 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of Tramadol.

Also apprehended was 33-year-old Esther Igbafe, a female suspected drug trafficker. She was found in unlawful possession of 874 grams of cannabis, 19 grams of Tramadol, and 3 grams of Swinol. All suspects have been taken into custody, and exhibits have been properly documented and secured.

The investigation into the source of the drugs and the criminal network involved has already commenced. We are working to track all links to the fleeing drug baron, Asrenre, and ensure he is brought to justice.

The NDLEA remains resolute in its commitment to rid Edo State of illicit drugs. Together, we can protect our communities from the scourge of drug trafficking and abuse.