Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered 498 kilograms of skunk cannabis allegedly concealed inside a shrine in Edo State, while two suspected drug traffickers were arrested in separate operations.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to Mr Ofoyeju, the illicit drugs were allegedly abandoned by a suspected drug baron identified simply as Asrenre, who is currently on the run.
He explained that NDLEA operatives, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated raid on 22 May 2026, at Igwe Community in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Cannabis allegedly concealed inside shrine
Mr Ofoyeju said the operation led to the recovery of 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, alongside nine kilograms of cannabis seeds.
The substances were allegedly hidden inside a shrine reportedly 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,” Mr Ofoyeju stated.
He added that some youths in the community initially resisted the operation, claiming the shrine was a sacred location inhabited by 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.
Additional suspects arrested
The NDLEA commander disclosed that another operation within the same community led to the arrest of a 50-year-old suspect identified as Sunday Oghaimen.
According to him, the suspect was allegedly found in possession of 945 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of Tramadol.
He also confirmed the arrest of a 33-year-old female suspect, Esther Igbafe, who was allegedly found 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,” Mr Ofoyeju said.
NDLEA launches manhunt for suspected drug baron
Mr Ofoyeju stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover the source of the drugs and dismantle the criminal network allegedly 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.”
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse across Edo State.
“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.
Edo State has remained one of the states frequently targeted in anti-drug trafficking operations by the NDLEA due to concerns over illicit drug distribution and abuse.
The agency has intensified raids and intelligence-driven operations across communities as part of efforts to dismantle drug syndicates and reduce narcotics circulation nationwide.
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