EDO NDLEA ARRESTS 42 SUSPECTS, WITH 9,520KG OF NARCOTICS

 EDO NDLEA ARRESTS 42 SUSPECTS, WITH 9,520KG OF NARCOTICS 

...DECLARES SUSPECTED DRUG BARON WANTED, IMPOUNDS TOYOTA MATRIX, MONEY

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended 42 suspected drug traffickers with a total of nine thousand, five hundred and twenty (9,520) kilograms of narcotics in September 2026. 

A suspected drug baron Gospel Mudiaga Odeh also known as Omega was declared wanted by the command and his Toyota Matrix, drugs and monetary exhibits confiscated. According to the State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju PhD, this achievement is detailed in the monthly operational scorecard highlighting ongoing efforts in drug law enforcement, rehabilitation, and substance abuse education.

Commander Mitchell noted that the arrests were made possible through several intelligence-led operations as mandated by the Chairman Chief Executive Offcer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (RTD) CON.

 In his words, “Out of the 42 suspects arrested, 22 are females, while 20 are males. One suspected notorious drug trafficker, Gospel Mudiaga Odeh, A.K.A. Omega, who narrowly escaped arrest, had been declared wanted. 

His salesgirl, Ojugo Mercy, 26 years old, was nabbed with assorted drugs: Loud 989 grams, Colorado 13 grams and methamphetamine 83 grams”.

Mudiaga reportedly fled, leaving behind his black Toyota Matrix car. Exhibits recovered from the car include 65 grams of cannabis and one million one hundred and sixty thousand naira (N1,160,000), as well as 55 Ethiopian birr, which had been documented as an instrument of crime. Commander Mitchell stated that “Mudiaga can run, but he certainly has no hiding place because the command has been mandated by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer to find and prosecute him accordingly.”   

He also lamented the rising number of females in illicit drug trafficking in the State.

 The enforcement actions by the command resulted in the seizure of 9,520 kilograms of illicit substances, which included 9,248.2575 kg of cannabis plantations destroyed and 271.92348 kg of other drugs intercepted. 

This breakdown includes 245.29 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 25.97 kg of psychotropic substances, 0.66 kg of methamphetamine, and 62.6 litres of codeine syrup.

In line with the mandate of eradicating drug cultivation, the NDLEA identified and destroyed ten cannabis farms spanning an area of 3.699303 hectares with an estimated yield of 9,248.2575 kg. This illustrates the agency's commitment to combating drug trafficking and its underlying causes.

The analysis of the cannabis farms reveals the following details: Farms 1 and 2, located at Monday Camp Ovia South West, covered 0.817148 and 0.111596 hectares, yielding 2,042.87 kg and 278.99 kg respectively.

 Farms 3 and 4 in Igwe-Oke Community Forest, Owan East, measured 0.623703 and 0.380575 hectares with yields of 1,559.2575 kg and 951.4375 kg. Farm 5, situated in Okagboro Forest, Owan West, spanned 0.336646 hectares with a yield of 841.615 kg. 

Additionally, Farms 6, 7, and 8 in Ukporwoya Forest, Owan West, occupied 0.123755, 0.594138, and 0.167650 hectares, yielding 309.3875 kg, 1,485.345 kg, and 419.125 kg respectively. 

Lastly, Farms 9 and 10 at Eko Camp Illushi Esan South East covered 0.068011 and 0.476081 hectares, producing yields of 170.0275 kg and 1,190.2025 kg.

During the month, the Command's prosecution unit secured three convictions and currently has 83 ongoing cases. 

The Command also emphasised rehabilitation efforts by counselling 28 clients and offering vocational training, including skills in tailoring, embroidery, and liquid soap production, aimed at facilitating lasting reintegration into society.

In a commendable community initiative, the Edo State Command collaborated with the Edo State Drug Control Committee (ESDCC) to host the Okpebholo/Marwa Marathon Against Drug Abuse. 

This event was aimed at raising awareness and preventing drug abuse among secondary school students. It concluded successfully with three prize winners being awarded scholarships to further their education.

The Edo State Command of the NDLEA remains steadfast in its battle against the drug problem in the State and calls for collaborative support from all stakeholders to effectively address the challenges of drug trafficking and abuse.