Women accounted for the highest number of suspected drug traffickers arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State during July, as the command intensified its crackdown on illicit drug networks and promoted 73 officers for outstanding service.

The development was disclosed by the Edo State Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, during the decoration ceremony for the newly promoted personnel in Benin City. He revealed that 49 suspects were arrested during intelligence-led operations carried out across the state in July, with 29 females and 20 males making up the list of those apprehended.

Ofoyeju described the trend as disturbing, noting that the increasing involvement of women in drug trafficking reflects growing socio-economic challenges and the weakening of traditional family support systems. He stressed that the command remains committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks regardless of those involved.

The command also recorded significant seizures during the month, recovering 2,596.29 kilograms of illicit substances. Cannabis dominated the haul, accounting for 2,588.4 kilograms, while officers also confiscated 6.13 kilograms of psychotropic substances, 1.68 kilograms of methamphetamine, 0.071 kilogram of cocaine, 0.005 kilogram of heroin, 15.3 litres of codeine cough syrup, and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.

As part of its operations, the NDLEA uncovered three warehouses allegedly linked to drug storage and distribution—two in Benin City and one in Illushi. Officers also intercepted two vehicles allegedly used for transporting cannabis: a Toyota Sienna with Ondo registration NND 975 AG and a Toyota Camry bearing Edo registration BEN 503 BK.

The anti-narcotics agency further destroyed a cannabis plantation located in Egbisi Forest, Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area. The farm measured 0.640903 hectares and was estimated to produce approximately 1,602.26 kilograms of cannabis if left undisturbed.

Beyond arrests and seizures, Ofoyeju said the command secured four convictions in drug-related cases during the month, underscoring its commitment to ensuring offenders face prosecution after arrest. He noted that intelligence-driven operations have continued to disrupt drug trafficking activities across Edo State.

Speaking on the promotion of 73 personnel, the commander congratulated the officers, describing their elevation as recognition for dedication, integrity and exceptional performance. He reminded them that promotion within the NDLEA is based on merit rather than routine advancement.

According to him, the new ranks come with greater responsibility and higher public expectations. He urged the officers to remain disciplined, resist corruption and intensify the fight against drug trafficking, warning that criminal syndicates would increasingly attempt to compromise security personnel.

The latest operational figures build on a series of recent successes recorded by the Edo State Command. Earlier in the year, the agency reported multiple intelligence-led raids that resulted in large drug seizures, the destruction of cannabis plantations and the arrest of suspected traffickers, reinforcing Edo’s position as one of the states receiving sustained enforcement attention in Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign.

The NDLEA has repeatedly called on residents to support its operations by providing timely information on suspected drug activities, insisting that community collaboration remains essential to reducing drug abuse and dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.