Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, have arrested two drivers allegedly transporting large consignments of cannabis sativa weighing over one tonne.
The state Commander of the agency, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, announced the arrest on Thursday in a statement issued in Benin City.
Ofoyeju said the suspects, identified as Felix Edah, 45, and Lucky Abagha, 51, were arrested during an operation on November 13, 2025.
He stated that the duo were apprehended when their vehicles, loaded with cannabis sativa, were intercepted during a motorised patrol along the Benin-Akure Road and Ugbogiobo Community in the state.
According to the NDLEA, the two vehicles allegedly departed Uyere community in Ovia North East Local Government Area, heading towards Benin City before operatives intercepted them.
He confirmed that the vehicles have been confiscated as instrumentalities of crime.
He said one of the suspects, Felix Edah, a male from Delta State, had a vehicle containing 38 bags of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis, weighing 494 kg, while the second suspect, Lucky Abagha, had 46 bags of cannabis weighing 552 kg.
He said the combined weight of the drugs is 1,046 kg.
The Edo State NDLEA Commander added that operatives intercepted Felix Edah’s Mercedes-Benz V-Boot with registration number DE311BEN, carrying the suspected illicit drugs.
He also said Lucky Abagha was apprehended while driving a Mercedes-Benz V-Boot with registration number JJJ 56 JW, registered in Lagos, along the Benin-Akure Road.
Ofoyeju said the suspects have since been detained at the Benin office of the agency for further investigation and questioning.
While confirming that investigations into both cases are ongoing, the NDLEA Commander emphasised the agency’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking and enforcing drug laws in the state.
According to him, these arrests are part of ongoing efforts to tackle drug-related crimes and dismantle trafficking networks operating within Edo State, especially as the yuletide season approaches.
He, however, urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities related to drug trafficking, as part of reinforcing collective responsibility in the fight against drugs in the country.