Benin: The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted 1,455kg of marijuana during an anti-narcotics operation in Edo.
The state Commander of the agency, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Monday, while briefing journalists in his office in Benin on his achievements.
Ofoyeju said that operatives of the agency intercepted the drugs after the suspected traffickers abandoned two Toyota Sienna buses and escaped.
He stated that the interception occurred around 3:00 am on Oct. 29, along the Okhokho–Isi Community route in Uhunmwode Local Government Area.
According to him, a patrol team, acting on intelligence, sighted the vehicles, suspected to be ferrying large quantities of illicit drugs from Okpuje, a community notorious for cannabis cultivation and trafficking.
“The seizure took place on Oct. 29, at approximately 3 am, when a team of dedicated officers intercepted two Toyota Sienna buses suspected of transporting a substantial quantity of narcotics,” he said.
Ofoyeju said the first vehicle, a light blue Toyota Sienna, with Reg. Number EPE 545 EV was found to contain 666 kilograms of dried cannabis.
He further stated that a second vehicle, a dark ash Toyota Sienna with registration Number ABC 142 CD, was intercepted shortly afterwards, containing 789 kilograms of the same substance.
He, however, said that no arrests were made because the suspects abandoned both vehicles and fled.
The state NDLEA boss said that investigations were underway to track down the culprits, warning drug syndicates that the agency remained firmly on their trail.
“The ongoing investigations signify our relentless approach towards eradicating drug trafficking in Edo.
“Those who think they can evade the law and exploit our communities through the illicit drug trade should think again.
“We are prepared and committed to enforcing the law with unprecedented measures,” Ofoyeju said.
He assured the public that NDLEA was intensifying patrols across hotspots, in collaboration with local communities, to curb trafficking and drug abuse.
He urged residents to report any suspicious activities, emphasising that community intelligence was crucial to dismantling drug networks.
“The fight against drug abuse and trafficking is a shared responsibility.
“With collective effort, a brighter and safer future is our common goal,” Ofoyeju said.