By USMAN ALIYU

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has seized 604.5kg of cannabis and launched a manhunt for a suspected drug kingpin in Owan West Local Government Area of the state.

The State Commander of NDLEA, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Benin.

Ofoyeju said the operation was conducted on Aug. 5, at Ewe Luleha, a suspected drug hub in Owan West, where operatives recovered 65 bags of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis.

He said the command had launched a manhunt for the suspected kingpin identified only as Sunday, who reportedly fled during the operation.

“We are tracking the suspected drug kingpin, one Sunday, who is in hiding, following recovery of the 604.5kg of cannabis.

“He has nowhere to hide because we will certainly apprehend him,” Ofoyeju said.

The commander said the operation formed part of the agency’s renewed efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks across Edo.

He said nine suspected drug peddlers were also arrested in separate operations conducted at various drug hotspots in the state.

Ofoyeju said the suspects comprised five males and four females.

According to him, the suspects were arrested with varying quantities of cannabis, loud, colorado, methamphetamine and tramadol.

He said the arrests and seizures demonstrated the command’s continued efforts to disrupt the supply and distribution of illicit drugs in Edo.

The NDLEA commander urged residents to support the agency by providing credible information that could assist in apprehending fleeing suspects and dismantling drug trafficking networks.

“These arrests and drug seizures do not only highlight efforts of law enforcement but also signify the increasing need for community involvement in reporting illicit activities.

“I urge members of the public to provide any information that may lead to apprehension of the fleeing suspects, and to support ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Edo state,” he said.

Ofoyeju assured that investigations into the drug-related activities would continue and that suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law. (NAN)

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