NDLEA Uncovers 498kg Cannabis Hidden in Edo Shrine

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered 498 kilograms of skunk cannabis allegedly hidden inside a shrine in Edo State, while two suspected drug traffickers were also arrested in separate operations.

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

Ofoyeju said the illicit drugs were abandoned by a suspected drug baron identified simply as Asrenre, who is currently on the run.

According to him, operatives acting on credible intelligence carried out a coordinated raid on May 22, 2026, at Igwe Community in the Owan East Local Government Area of the state.

He said the operation led to the recovery of 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, alongside nine kilograms of cannabis seeds, all concealed inside a shrine allegedly used by members of the drug syndicate.

“The exhibits were abandoned by the prime suspect, a notorious drug baron known as Asrenre, who is currently at large,” Ofoyeju stated.

He explained that some youths in the community initially resisted the operation, insisting that the shrine was a sacred place inhabited by their deities.

“Some youths of the community claimed that the location was the sacred home of their deities, but our officers insisted on conducting the search, which eventually led to the discovery of the concealed bags of cannabis,” he said.

The NDLEA commander added that the agency had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.

In a related operation within the same community, Ofoyeju disclosed that operatives arrested a 50-year-old suspect, Sunday Oghaimen, who was allegedly found in possession of 945 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of Tramadol.

He also revealed that a 33-year-old female suspect, Esther Igbafe, was apprehended with 874 grams of cannabis, 19 grams of tramadol, and three grams of Swinol.

“All suspects have been taken into custody, while the recovered exhibits have been properly documented and secured,” he said.

Ofoyeju noted that investigations had commenced to unravel the source of the drugs and dismantle the criminal network linked to the fleeing suspect.

“We are working to track all links to the fleeing drug baron, Asrenre, and ensure he is brought to justice.

“The NDLEA remains resolute in its commitment to rid Edo State of illicit drugs. Together, we can protect our communities from the scourge of drug trafficking and abuse,” he added.