By Ado Oyeyemi
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered 498 kilograms of skunk cannabis allegedly concealed inside a shrine in Edo State during a crackdown on drug trafficking activities.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that the operation also led to the arrest of two suspected drug traffickers in separate raids across the state.
According to Ofoyeju, the illicit substances were allegedly hidden by a suspected drug kingpin identified simply as Asrenre, who reportedly fled before the operatives arrived at the scene.
He explained that the raid was carried out on May 22, 2026, following credible intelligence gathered by the agency on illegal drug activities within Igwe Community in Owan East Local Government Area of the state.
The NDLEA commander stated that the operation resulted in the recovery of 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, alongside an additional nine kilograms of cannabis seeds allegedly stored inside the shrine.
“The exhibits were abandoned by the prime suspect, a notorious drug baron known as Asrenre, who is currently at large,” Ofoyeju said.
He added that some youths in the community initially attempted to obstruct the operation, claiming that the shrine was a sacred place occupied by local deities.
Despite the resistance, the operatives successfully recovered the exhibits and secured the area.
Ofoyeju reaffirmed the agency’s determination to sustain its campaign against illicit drug trafficking and abuse in the state.
“The NDLEA remains resolute in its commitment to rid Edo State of illicit drugs. Together, we can protect our communities from the scourge of drug trafficking and abuse,” he added.
