A drug trafficking cartel abandoned two Toyota Sienna buses loaded with 1,455 kilograms of cannabis along the Okhokho-ISI community route in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State after a hot pursuit by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, revealed this in a statement issued in Benin on Monday, Nov. 17.
According to the statement, NDLEA officers intercepted the two vehiclesβboth suspected of conveying a large quantity of narcoticsβon the Okhokho-ISI route. The buses reportedly began their journey from Okpuje, a community known for widespread cannabis cultivation and trafficking.
The first vehicle, a light blue Toyota Sienna with registration number EPE 545 EV, was found carrying 666kg of dried substances suspected to be cannabis sativa. The second, a dark ash Toyota Sienna with registration number ABC 142 CD, contained 789kg of the same substance.
No arrests were made, as the traffickers fled the scene, abandoning the vehicles and the drugs.
Ofoyeju warned those involved in illicit drug activities that the NDLEA is following credible leads and intensifying investigations to ensure the offenders are brought to justice. He reaffirmed the agencyβs commitment to eliminating drug trafficking in Edo State, stressing that those attempting to evade the law will face stringent measures.
He also assured the public of the NDLEAβs continued vigilance and collaboration with local communities to maintain safety and curb drug abuse. Citizens were urged to report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking to support ongoing efforts in the fight against illegal drugs.
