Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a couple and seized more than 412 kilogrammes of cannabis in Benin.
The NDLEA command in Edo made the arrests during a raid on a suspected drug warehouse allegedly operated from a residential building along Sapele Road.
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Mitchell Ofoyeju, the NDLEA commander in the state, disclosed this in Benin on Monday while briefing reporters on recent operational achievements.
Mr Ofoyeju said the operation followed credible intelligence concerning the suspects’ alleged involvement in illicit drug trafficking.
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He identified the suspects as Christian Chukwuka, 32, and his wife, Nwanneka Christian, 33, both from Ndokwa, Delta.
“We arrested a husband and wife, Christian Chukwuka, 32 years old, and Nwanneka Christian, 33 years old, at the illicit warehouse,” Mr Ofoyeju said.
He said the couple allegedly dealt in narcotic drugs from the warehouse before their arrest by NDLEA operatives.
“The arrest and seizure reflect the growing concern over drug trafficking and abuse,” the commander said.
According to him, operatives recovered 22 bags of skunk weighing 219.5 kilogrammes from the suspected warehouse.
He added that compressed blocks of Canadian Loud, weighing 192.67 kilogrammes, were also recovered during the operation.
The combined seizure amounted to more than 412 kilogrammes of cannabis, representing a significant haul for the command.
Mr Ofoyeju described the operation as a breakthrough in efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across Edo.
“Our efforts to combat drug trafficking remain unwavering. We will thoroughly investigate this case and ensure that justice is served,” he said.
The commander said investigations were ongoing, adding that the suspects would be charged in court after the conclusion of the investigations.
Mr Chukwuka attributed his alleged involvement in the illicit trade to unemployment and financial difficulties.
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“I am a secondary school graduate, and I learnt how to drive trucks, but joblessness led me into drug trafficking,” he said.
He said a friend introduced him to the illicit trade, while financial pressures associated with supporting his family compounded his difficulties.
“My wife has a set of twins for me, and the pressure of financial upkeep has been a challenge.
“If given another chance, I promise not to deal in drugs again,” Mr Chukwuka said.
(NAN)
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