A suspected drug baron has reportedly abandoned 489 kilogrammes of dried weeds suspected to be skunk cannabis inside a shrine in Edo State.

The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement, noting that narcotic agents recovered the illicit substances allegedly abandoned by members of a drug syndicate operating in Owan East Local Council.

According to Ofoyeju, the seizure followed credible intelligence that led to a coordinated raid on Igwe Community on May 22, 2026.

“The operation led to the recovery of 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilogrammes, as well as nine kilogrammes of cannabis seeds. The exhibits were found abandoned by the prime suspect, a notorious drug baron known as Asrenre, who is currently at large, inside a shrine,” he said.

“Although there was resistance from some youths in the community who claimed that the location was the sacred home of their deities, the officers insisted on conducting the search, only to discover the bags of cannabis.”

Ofoyeju vowed that the agency would continue to pursue drug traffickers regardless of where illicit substances are concealed

“The NDLEA Act empowers us to search anywhere narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are believed to have been concealed. We will continue to stay ahead of drug criminals through superior intelligence and compliance with standard operating procedures,” he stated.

In a related operation within the same community, NDLEA operatives arrested a 50-year-old suspect, Sunday Oghaimen, allegedly found in possession of 945 grammes of cannabis and 19 grammes of Tramadol.

Also apprehended was Esther Igbafe, 33, who was allegedly found in possession of 874 grammes of cannabis, 19 grammes of Tramadol and three grammes of Swinol.

Ofoyeju said all suspects had been taken into custody, while the exhibits were properly documented and secured.

The investigation into the source of the drugs and the criminal network involved has commenced. We are working to track all links to the fleeing drug baron, Asrenre, and ensure he is brought to justice,” he added.

The Edo State commander also disclosed that the agency had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect. (The Guardian)