The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has uncovered 498 kilograms of skunk cannabis allegedly hidden inside a shrine in Edo State, in what officials described as a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking in the region.
The discovery was made during a coordinated operation carried out by NDLEA operatives in Igwe Community, located in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State. According to the Edo State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the raid was conducted on May 22, 2026, following credible intelligence about illegal drug activities within the community.
Ofoyeju revealed that officers recovered 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, along with an additional nine kilograms of cannabis seeds concealed inside the shrine. The drugs were allegedly hidden there by a suspected drug baron identified simply as Asrenre, who reportedly fled before security operatives arrived at the scene.
The NDLEA commander explained that some youths in the community attempted to prevent officers from searching the shrine, claiming it was a sacred place occupied by their deities. Despite the resistance, operatives insisted on carrying out the operation, which eventually led to the discovery of the concealed drugs.
Authorities said the prime suspect remains on the run, while a manhunt has already been launched to track him down and dismantle the criminal network linked to the operation.
In a separate operation within the same community, NDLEA operatives arrested a 50-year-old suspect identified as Sunday Oghaimen. He was allegedly found in possession of 945 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of Tramadol. The agency also arrested a 33-year-old woman, Esther Igbafe, who was reportedly caught with 874 grams of cannabis, 19 grams of tramadol, and three grams of Swinol.
According to Ofoyeju, all suspects have been taken into custody while the recovered substances have been properly documented and secured as investigations continue. He added that the NDLEA is intensifying efforts to uncover the source of the drugs and identify every individual connected to the alleged trafficking operation.
“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,” Ofoyeju stated.
The latest seizure highlights the agency’s ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking networks across Nigeria, particularly in communities where criminal groups attempt to use remote locations and cultural sites as hiding places for illegal substances.
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