The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it arrested 44 suspected drug traffickers and seized 2,059.83kg of illicit substances in November.

The state commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the suspects include 21 males and 23 females.

According to him, the seized drugs comprise 2,058.79kg of cannabis, as well as tramadol, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, codeine syrup, flunitrazepam, diazepam, swinol, and danabol (molly).

Ofoyeju added that operatives also uncovered and destroyed a 0.58-hectare cannabis farm at Igbeshi Forest, Imiakebo, in Etsako West LGA, with an estimated yield of 1,459.7kg.

Presenting the command’s operational scorecard, the commander said intelligence-led operations had been intensified ahead of the yuletide season. He warned drug cartels to desist or “face the full might of the law.”

The NDLEA also secured 17 convictions in November, while 126 cases remain pending at the Federal High Court in Benin City. Additionally, the agency’s drug demand reduction unit counselled 21 clients, with ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and sensitise drug users.

Ofoyeju acknowledged the challenges of navigating remote forest terrains used for cannabis cultivation and called for enhanced logistical support. He urged the public to provide credible information to aid the fight against drug trafficking in the state.