Two arrested, 498kg cannabis abandoned in Edo shrine
SKAiF NewsNG SNN
By Ozioruva Aliu
Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday said a suspected drug baron known as Asrenre has abandoned 498kg of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis inside a shrine in Edo State.
The Edo State Commander of the agency, in a statement, said that narcotic agents recovered the illicit drugs abandoned by some members of the drug syndicate operating in Owan East Local Government Area.
According to him, the seizure was made based on a credible intelligence report which he said led to a coordinated raid at Igue Community on 22 May 2026.
He said the operation led to the recovery of 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, as well as nine kilograms of cannabis seeds. The exhibits were found abandoned by the prime suspect, a notorious drug baron known as Asrenre, who is at large inside a shrine.
He said, “I can tell you that a suspected drug baron has reportedly abandoned 498kg of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis inside a shrine in Edo State.
“Some youths of the community claimed that the location was the sacred home of their deities, the officers insisted on conducting the search only to discover the bags of cannabis,” Ofoyeju added.
In a related operation within the same community, Ofoyeju said that officers of the command arrested Sunday Oghaimen, a 50-year-old male, in possession of 945 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of Tramadol.
“Also apprehended was 33-year-old Esther Igbafe, a female suspected drug trafficker. She was found in unlawful possession of 874 grams of cannabis, 19 grams of Tramadol, and 3 grams of Swinol. All suspects have been taken into custody, and exhibits have been properly documented and secured.
“The investigation into the source of the drugs and the criminal network involved has already commenced. 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.”
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