NDLEA destroys cannabis farms in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State said it had destroyed five farms used for the cultivation of cannabis in Ovia South-West and Owan West local government areas.

It said one suspect, Sunday Segun, was arrested at Ogboha Forest in Owan West LGA, where one of the farms was razed.

The plantations measuring 2.269668 hectares had an estimated yield of 5,674.17kg.

Edo Commander of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said psychotropic substances, including tramadol, codeine cough syrups and diazepam, charms and knives were recovered at one of the drug scenes.

Ofoyeju said the Edo NDLEA has intensified its crackdown on drug-related activities across the state.

He said cannabis farms were gradually taking over forests in the state and called for collaboration with council chairmen to stem illicit cultivation of cannabis.

According to him: “We cannot continue this way because what began as a little garden is turning into a large plantation. These farms were destroyed in the past two weeks. Chairmen of local government councils are closer to the people, and we need their active collaboration.

"A total of five cannabis farms were discovered and destroyed. Two farms measuring 0.928744 hectares were located at Monday Camp, Usen Forest, Ovia South West Local Government Area; another two farms measuring 1.004278 hectares were found at Igwe-Oke Forest, Owan East Local Government Area, while one farm measuring 0.336646 hectares was detected at Ogboha Forest, Owan West Local Government Area of the State.

"The NDLEA Edo State Command remains committed to its mandate to eliminate illicit drug trade, enhance public safety, and promote community health."