NDLEA destroys two cannabis farms

Operatives of the Edo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have destroyed two cannabis plantations measuring 0.544092 hectares with an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg and 107kg of processed cannabis.

 The two farms were destroyed at Eko Camp, Illushi, Esan South East Local Government Area.

Two suspects, Ajeh Egwuda and Nonso Ajodhe, were said to have been apprehended during the operation.

Both suspects were said to have told interrogators that they took to cannabis cultivation due to poverty and negative influence of friends.

Ajeh was said to be cultivating a cannabis farm measuring 0.068011 hectares, estimated to yield approximately 170.03 kg of cannabis while Nonso was found with 0.476081 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20 kg.

Commander of Edo NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the operation underscored commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State.

He said: “Let this operation serve as a strong warning to those who see our forests and farmlands as bases for criminal enterprise. The NDLEA Edo State Command will not rest until cannabis cultivation is rooted out of our communities. We are combining intelligence-driven surveillance, community engagement, and decisive enforcement in this campaign.

"This operation is not just a show of our capability but also reflects our unwavering determination to protect our communities from the harms of drug abuse and trafficking. We will continue to collaborate with armed forces and other stakeholders to dismantle drug networks and reduce the impact of these illicit substances on our society.’’