NDLEA Busts Student-Led Drug Syndicate, Seizes N777m Worth of Narcotics in Edo
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NDLEA Busts Student-Led Drug Syndicate, Seizes N777m Worth of Narcotics in Edo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has recorded a major success in the war against drug trafficking, seizing over 53,520.80kg of illicit drugs valued at more than ₦777 million in just six months.
This was disclosed by Edo NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, during a media briefing in Benin City on Monday to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Among the arrests made during the period was Esther Abumere, a 28-year-old 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who allegedly ran a supermarket as cover for her drug operations.
“Her arrest is a strong warning to drug barons that, notwithstanding the disguise, they will be smoked out,” Ofoyeju said. “We have a responsibility under the law to protect every citizen through comprehensive drug supply control and prevention interventions.”
Items recovered from her include 31g of Colorado, 763g of Canadian loud, as well as various grammes of Tramadol capsules. Other substances found in her store were 146 tablets of Swinol (56g), 93 tablets of Rohypnol (30g) and 56 tablets of Molly (25g).
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to venturing into the drug business to repay a loan from a microfinance bank.
Commander Ofoyeju also revealed that 18 cannabis farms were destroyed and 24 convictions secured during the same period. Additionally, 194 clients received counselling and 19 individuals were rehabilitated for drug use disorders.
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He called on the public to remain vigilant and assist the NDLEA by reporting any suspicious drug-related activity.
“These enemies of the state can run but cannot hide. We will catch them, seize their drugs, trace their illicit wealth and prosecute them,” he warned.
The NDLEA’s recent operations underscore the growing link between drug trafficking and broader criminal issues such as cultism and kidnapping, which continue to pose serious security threats in Nigeria.
