NDLEA Seizes 1,300kg of Cannabis in Edo Warehouse Raid
Narcotics agents in Edo State have intercepted a massive haul of “skunk” cannabis as part of a renewed crackdown on regional trafficking hubs. On Monday, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) confirmed the seizure of 125 bags of the illicit weed, weighing a total of 1,378kg. The operation took place in the Igbanke community of Orhionmwon Local Government Area. Officers raided a local warehouse following a period of surveillance and intelligence gathering. One suspect, 37-year-old Roland Owie, was arrested at the scene.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, described the bust as a “critical victory” in the war against substance abuse. He noted that removing over a ton of cannabis from the illicit market prevents the drug from reaching schools and local streets. This single operation represents a significant fracture in the distribution network of regional cartels. The agency is increasingly shifting its focus toward supply suppression to starve the criminal economy. By hitting warehouses and storage hubs, they aim to disrupt the trade before it hits the retail level.
This latest raid follows an impressive first-quarter performance for the Edo Command. Last week, the agency reported seizing illicit drugs worth ₦1.8 billion between January and March 2026. During that period, 104 suspects were apprehended, and over 18,000kg of narcotics were either recovered or destroyed. The command has also been active in “Operation Green Sweep,” destroying five hectares of cannabis farms across the state. These figures suggest that Edo remains a major transit and production point for the Nigerian drug trade.
Commander Ofoyeju warned that the state is no longer a “haven” for drug barons. He credited the success of the Igbanke raid to “robust” intelligence and the diligence of his field officers. The agency is balancing these high-profile busts with demand reduction efforts, such as public advocacy and rehabilitation programmes. However, the commander stressed that cutting off the source remains the most effective way to weaken trafficking syndicates. Every kilogramme seized is viewed as a blow to the operational capacity of these criminal groups.
The suspect, a native of the community where the drugs were found, is currently assisting the agency with further investigations. The NDLEA is expected to charge him in court once preliminary enquiries are concluded. Public cooperation remains a vital component of these operations. Residents are being encouraged to provide tip-offs to help security agencies stay ahead of the cartels. The Igbanke raid is a clear signal that even rural warehouses are now within the reach of federal agents.
The surge in drug-related arrests reflects a broader national trend of heightened enforcement. As the economic stakes of the illicit trade rise, so too does the intensity of the state’s response. For the NDLEA, the goal is to make the business of trafficking too risky and expensive to maintain. Monday’s seizure is a testament to that strategy of persistent pressure. Stability in Edo’s rural communities depends on the continued dismantling of these narcotics depots.