NDLEA Uncovers 498kg Cannabis Hidden Inside Edo Shrine, Launches Hunt For Notorious Drug Baron.

NDLEA Uncovers 498kg Cannabis Hidden Inside Edo Shrine, Launches Hunt For Notorious Drug Baron

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered nearly 500 kilograms of skunk cannabis allegedly hidden inside a shrine in Edo State, in a dramatic raid that exposed what officials described as a major drug trafficking network operating under the cover of traditional worship.

The shocking discovery was made during a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by NDLEA operatives in Igwe Community, Owan East Local Government Area of the state, where officers stormed a suspected hideout linked to a fleeing drug kingpin identified simply as Asrenre.

According to the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the operation led to the recovery of 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 489 kilograms, alongside an additional nine kilograms of cannabis seeds carefully concealed inside the shrine allegedly used by members of the drug syndicate.

The NDLEA boss disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, revealing that the prime suspect escaped moments before the operatives arrived at the scene.

“The exhibits were abandoned by the prime suspect, a notorious drug baron known as Asrenre, who is currently at large,” Ofoyeju stated.

He explained that the operation followed weeks of surveillance and credible intelligence reports linking the community to large-scale illicit drug activities.

According to him, NDLEA officers encountered resistance from some youths in the area who attempted to prevent the operatives from searching the shrine, insisting that it was a sacred place occupied by deities and should not be desecrated.

However, the anti-narcotics officers reportedly stood their ground and proceeded with the search, which ultimately exposed the massive cache of illegal drugs hidden within the shrine premises.

“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,” Ofoyeju said.

The discovery has since sparked reactions within the community, with residents expressing shock over allegations that a traditional worship centre was allegedly converted into a warehouse for illicit substances.

The NDLEA commander said the agency had immediately launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect and other members of the criminal network believed to be involved in the operation.

“We are working to track all links to the fleeing drug baron, Asrenre, and ensure he is brought to justice,” he said.

In a related operation carried out within the same community, NDLEA operatives arrested a 50-year-old suspect identified as Sunday Oghaimen.

Ofoyeju disclosed that the suspect was allegedly found in possession of 945 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of Tramadol during a raid conducted by the anti-drug agency.

The crackdown also led to the arrest of a 33-year-old female suspect, Esther Igbafe, who was allegedly caught 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,” the NDLEA commander added.

He noted that investigations were already underway to trace the origin of the drugs, identify other members of the syndicate, and dismantle the wider criminal network linked to the fleeing suspect.

Ofoyeju reiterated the agency’s commitment to intensifying operations against drug trafficking and abuse across Edo State, warning that criminal groups would find no safe haven in the 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.

The latest seizure adds to a growing list of major drug busts recorded by the agency in recent months as authorities continue to intensify efforts to curb the spread of narcotics and dismantle trafficking syndicates across the country.