NDLEA arrests 108 persons for cultivating Indian Hemp in Edo State

  No fewer than 108 persons have been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in connection with suspected Indian Hemp cultivation and trafficking. The Edo Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Buba Wakawa, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Benin.

Wakawa said that about 2,024.03 kilogrammes of the suspected substance was seized from the suspects, while 20 acres of farmland was destroyed with seizure of eight grammes of cocaine and 19.2 grammes of heroine.

He said out of the figure, 11 suspects were arrested with 284.5 kilogrammes of the suspected plant in Ekpoma Esan West local government area and Obolo Iuleha in Owan West local government area in July.

He explained that the remaining 97 suspects, comprising 70 males and 27 females, were arrested in connection with 1,939.53 kilogrammes of the seized suspected plants in the second quarter of the year.

He also said that 18 out of the 20 acres of farmland destroyed were in Toba Forest in Usen, Ovia South West local government area in July, while the remaining two were destroyed within the second quarter of the year.

The commander added that 2.1 kilogrammes of suspected psychotropic substances were seized within the period under review with five suspects convicted and 10 awaiting trial. He also disclosed that 54 persons were counselled and rehabilitated under the Drug Demand and Reduction programme and re-integrated into the society.