Blessing Bello, Reporting
MORE than 73 metric tonnes of illicit drugs with a street value of 2.8 billion Naira have been consigned to flames in a landmark destruction ceremony in Edo State, as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) delivered a crushing blow to trafficking networks in the region.
The agency’s Edo State Command torched a staggering 73,463.21 kilogrammes of narcotics and psychotropic substances on Thursday, in what officials described as a decisive act of war against the scourge of addiction and organised crime.
Cannabis sativa dominated the haul, accounting for 73,210.23 kilogrammes of the destroyed exhibits. Some 246.36 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances were also incinerated, including 141.81kg of Tramadol, 8.4258kg of Diazepam and 61.7652kg of Codeine cough syrup.
Amongst the ashes also lay 2.662kg of Methamphetamine, 3.7441kg of Cocaine and 0.2168kg of Heroin – potent class A narcotics that, according to investigators, were destined for the streets of Edo and beyond.
Speaking at the destruction ceremony in Benin City, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the event went far beyond a mere burning of contraband.
“What we are gathered here to do transcends the physical act of burning contraband,” Marwa declared. “We are, in the most powerful terms, reaffirming our collective and unshakeable resolve to confront, dismantle, and ultimately defeat the menace of drug abuse.”
Marwa, represented by the NDLEA Director of Operations and General Investigation, Suleiman Ahmed Ningi, thanked the Edo State Government for its support, particularly the allocation of twenty plots of land for a new model state command headquarters.
‘A War For The Soul Of Our Nation’
Governor Monday Okpebholo, attending as special guest of honour, framed the anti-narcotics fight as a battle against criminality itself. Represented by Mrs Edesili Anani – Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee – the governor vowed fresh investment in treatment and a crackdown on traffickers.
“This is not a moment for celebration alone; it is a moment for sober reflection and a recommitment to the fight,” Okpebholo said. “The war on drugs is a war for the soul of our nation. It is a war against criminality, kidnapping and banditry as well as the health hazards that drug abuse brings.”
In a stark warning to trafficking networks, he added: “Drug traffickers must leave Edo State because we are coming for them and we will not relent until every gram of illicit substance is seized and destroyed.”
The governor also revealed plans to build a modern rehabilitation centre for those recovering from drug use disorders, pledging continued partnership with the NDLEA.
‘Dangerous And Often Underfunded’
Senator Joseph Ikpea, representing Edo Central and chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, commended the agency for its “monumental” seizures and promised legislative and financial backing.
“Every kilogramme of cocaine, every bag of cannabis and sachet of tramadol and codeine destroyed today represents lives saved from the catastrophic effects of drugs,” Ikpea said. “Your work is dangerous and often not properly funded, yet you filled the gaps. We will continue to press for better welfare, funding, equipment and legal backing for your operations.”
‘We Have Been Attacked With Firearms’
Edo State NDLEA Commander, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, offered a chilling glimpse into the perils faced by his officers on the front line.
“The command has intercepted cars and articulated trucks laden with drugs. We have apprehended both the young and the aged, male and female, and have even recovered drugs hidden in shrines,” Ofoyeju revealed. “We have been attacked on the line of duty with firearms, but we are not deterred in executing our mandate.”
He closed with a sobering message for parents and communities: “We may give our children the good things of life – money, the best schools, good food and clothing – but if we fail to protect them from drug and substance abuse, we have indeed given them nothing.”
