Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says it arrested 220 suspected drug barons between February and June 2024, in the state.
The State Commander of the Agency, Mr. Callys Alumona, disclosed this during an event held to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking in Benin City.
He said the Agency secured 18 convictions while the trial of 115 suspects is currently ongoing at the federal high court in Benin City.
He further disclosed that out of four drug barons on the watchlist of the Agency, two have been arrested and prosecuted, while the remaining two are being tracked.
Mr. Alumona, also added that 14 cannabis farms measuring a total of 18.5 hectares, and approximately 4.43kg of the substance were destroyed within the period.
He explained that as part of the rehabilitation and counseling program of the Agency, 154 suspected drug addicts were counseled, while eight of them were indoor clients.
He, however, listed inadequate functional operational vehicles and unwillingness to volunteer credible information by members of the public, as the challenges confronting the Agency.
