Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered 498 kilograms of skunk cannabis allegedly concealed inside a shrine in Edo State as authorities intensified a crackdown on drug trafficking networks in the region.
The Edo State commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the illicit substances were abandoned by a suspected drug baron identified only as Asrenre, who is currently on the run.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ofoyeju said operatives acting on intelligence carried out a coordinated raid on 22 May in the Igwe community, Owan East local government area, leading to the discovery of 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, alongside nine kilograms of cannabis seeds.
According to the agency, the drugs were concealed inside a shrine allegedly used by members of the syndicate to store narcotics.
“The exhibits were abandoned by the prime suspect, a notorious drug baron known as Asrenre, who is currently at large,” Ofoyeju said.
He said some youths in the community initially resisted the operation, arguing that the shrine was a sacred place inhabited by local deities.
“Some youths of the community claimed that the location was the sacred home of their deities, but our officers insisted on conducting the search, which eventually led to the discovery of the concealed bags of cannabis,” he said.
The NDLEA said a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing suspect.
In a separate operation within the same community, operatives arrested a 50-year-old suspect, Sunday Oghaimen, who was allegedly found in possession of 945 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of tramadol.
Authorities also apprehended a 33-year-old woman, Esther Igbafe, allegedly in possession of 874 grams of cannabis, 19 grams of tramadol and three grams of Swinol.
“All suspects have been taken into custody, while the recovered exhibits have been properly documented and secured,” Ofoyeju said.
He added that investigations were under way to trace the source of the drugs and dismantle the wider criminal network linked to the fugitive suspect.
“We are working to track all links to the fleeing drug baron, Asrenre, and ensure he is brought to justice,” he said.
“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.”
