NDLEA raids snake-guarded shrine in Edo, seizes illicit drugs
By Innocent Raphael
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a snake-guarded shrine in the Igor community of Benin City, Edo State, used to store illicit drugs.
This was disclosed in a statement signed on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy for the NDLEA.
According to the statement, the shrine featured a large, specially constructed storage hole concealed by wallpapers and fetish objects.
During the operation on Tuesday, 2024, NDLEA agents seized 8.743 kilograms of various illicit substances, including methamphetamine and potent strains of cannabis known as Loud, Colorado, and Arizona. Two women, Sonia Chinonso Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani, were also arrested after the agency neutralized the black snake guarding the shrine.
In a separate raid on Saturday, June 22, 2024, NDLEA operatives arrested Obi Ferguson, 45, and Ernest Abanum, 46, in the Usen forest in Ovia South West LGA, Edo State. The agents recovered 209 kilograms of cannabis and a motorcycle during this operation.
NDLEA officers in Lagos intercepted 8.2 kilograms of methamphetamine disguised as imported chocolate at a motor park in Mazamaza, Ojo area. The substance, known as ice or crystal meth, was hidden in Dunkin’ turtle love chocolate wraps and loudspeaker casings. Michael Odiomume, 39, was arrested at the park on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, while attempting to send the consignment to Owerri, Imo State.
Earlier on Tuesday also, NDLEA operatives in Abuja intercepted a white Nissan Frontier pickup with fake security agency registration at Kiyi village in Kuje area. The vehicle contained 454 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 340.8 kilograms, sourced from Uzeba, Edo State.
According to reports, the suspect, a 76-year-old grandfather named Francis Omofa, claimed he had been in the drug business for a decade.
The NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiatives across the country, conducting sensitization activities in schools, religious centers, workplaces, and communities. Recent efforts included lectures at St. Peters College in Anambra, Apostolic Grammar School in Osun State, Immanuel Baptist High School in Oyo State, and Federal Government Science and Technical College in Benue State.
A WADA advocacy session was held for Muslim worshippers in Umuahia, Abia State, and a visit was made to the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the officers in Edo, Lagos, and the FCT for their balanced approach in reducing drug supply and demand. He urged continued offensive action against drug cartels while intensifying the WADA social advocacy campaign.
