NDLEA arrests 252 suspected drug dealers, traffickers in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Edo State has arrested 252 suspected drug dealers and traffickers in nine months.

The State Commander, Buba Wakawa, disclosed this on Thursday through the Assistant Commander, Narcotic, in charge of Media and Advocacy, Ondoimi Bebetu, in Benin.

He said the suspects were arrested between January and September.

According to him, the arrested suspects, who were considered users, were counselled and released to their loved ones, adding that the law permits the agency to counsel them.

He explained that in fighting drug traffickers, the agency liaises with the police, army, DSS and other agencies to carry out periodic raids in hotels and event centres in the state.

“From January till date, NDLEA has arrested 252 suspected drug traffickers and peddlers in the state. Some of them have been jailed, some are still in court, while others have been counselled.

“We go to hotels and recreational centres where young boys and girls hide to traffick drugs. The arrested suspects are usually questioned to know those who are dealers, drug peddlers and users.”

He said though the drug war in Edo State has been very challenging, the agency has been doing its best to curtail drug use and supply drug chains in the state.

“Some of the commonest drugs from these dealers are cannabis, tramadol, cocaine, heroin, colorado, and codeine syrup. The users sniff this drug, sometimes cook or chew them raw while they smoke the dried one, and swallow tramadol,” he added.