Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered 498 kilograms of skunk cannabis allegedly stored inside a shrine in Edo State, as two suspected drug dealers were arrested in separate operations.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, made this known in a statement released on Thursday.
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According to him, the seized drugs were allegedly abandoned by a wanted drug kingpin identified simply as Asrenre, who reportedly fled before the raid.
Ofoyeju explained that NDLEA operatives, acting on intelligence, carried out a targeted operation on May 22, 2026, in Igwe Community, located in Owan East Local Government Area of the state.
The raid, he said, led to the recovery of 59 sacks of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, as well as nine kilograms of cannabis seeds hidden inside a shrine believed to be used by members of the drug network.
“The recovered items were abandoned by the principal suspect, a notorious drug trafficker known as Asrenre, who is currently on the run,” he stated.
He further revealed that some youths in the community initially attempted to stop the operation, claiming the shrine was a sacred site occupied by local deities.
“Some youths insisted the shrine was a spiritual place that should not be searched, but our officers proceeded with the operation, which eventually exposed the concealed cannabis,” Ofoyeju said.
The NDLEA boss added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
In another operation within the same community, operatives arrested a 50-year-old man identified as Sunday Oghaimen, allegedly found with 945 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of Tramadol.
Ofoyeju also disclosed that a 33-year-old woman, Esther Igbafe, was apprehended with 874 grams of cannabis, 19 grams of Tramadol, and three grams of Swinol.
“All the suspects are currently in custody, while the seized substances have been documented and secured,” he said.
He noted that investigations were ongoing to trace the origin of the drugs and dismantle the wider criminal network connected to the fleeing suspect.
“We are intensifying efforts to track down the fleeing drug baron, Asrenre, and bring him to justice,” Ofoyeju added.
“The NDLEA remains committed to eliminating illicit drug activities in Edo State. Working together, we can shield our communities from the dangers of drug trafficking and substance abuse.”
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