The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a massive cache of cannabis allegedly hidden inside a shrine in Edo State during a coordinated operation targeting drug trafficking activities.
According to reports, operatives of the agency discovered a total of 498 kilograms of skunk cannabis concealed within the shrine located in Igwe Community, Owan East Local Government Area of the state. The operation was reportedly carried out on May 22, 2026, following credible intelligence received by the agency.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that the seized drugs included 59 bags of skunk weighing about 489 kilograms, alongside nine kilograms of cannabis seeds allegedly stored inside the shrine by members of a suspected drug syndicate.
Authorities revealed that the drugs were abandoned by a suspected drug baron identified simply as Asrenre, who reportedly fled the scene before operatives arrived. The agency said efforts are ongoing to track down the suspect and dismantle the network linked to the illegal operation.
During the raid, some youths in the community allegedly attempted to stop the officers from searching the shrine, claiming it was a sacred place occupied by local deities. However, NDLEA officials insisted on carrying out the operation, leading to the discovery of the concealed substances.
In separate operations within the same community, the agency also arrested two suspects allegedly found in possession of different quantities of cannabis and other illicit substances.
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking and substance abuse across Edo State and Nigeria at large. The agency urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could help curb criminal activities in their communities.
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The discovery highlights the growing concerns over the use of unconventional locations by drug traffickers to evade law enforcement authorities across the country.
