By Richard Eweka
The Edo State Government has intensified its war against illicit drugs with the arrest of seven suspects including a breastfeeding mother during coordinated raids across Uromi, Ubiaja and Auchi in the Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts.
The suspects, comprising three males and four females, were paraded in Benin City by the Edo State Taskforce on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus Ebea, said the arrests were the result of credible intelligence and targeted operations carried out on November 26, 2025, in Esan North-East, Esan South-East and Etsako West Local Government Areas.
He noted that varying quantities of illicit substances were recovered, providing clear evidence of the suspects’ involvement in the sale and distribution of hard drugs.
The Commissioner said,, "Our youths are being increasingly drawn into drug abuse, which fuels deviant and criminal behaviour. These operations were necessary to curb the rising menace. Among those arrested is a breastfeeding mother actively engaged in this trade,”
Hon. Ebea stressed that the state government remains resolute in dismantling drug networks and restoring public order.
He added that the suspects would be profiled and handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution.
He vowed, “This is not a one-off operation. The Edo State Government will continue to smoke out drug dealers and their collaborators to ensure a peaceful and safe society,”
He reiterated Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive to rid the state of narcotics and protect young people from the destructive effects of hard drugs. “The impact of this Taskforce will be far-reaching. We will take the fight to the doorsteps of dealers and users alike,” he added.
Chairman of the Edo State Taskforce, CSP Michael Anetor, affirmed the Taskforce’s commitment to wiping out drug-related crimes across the state. He expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for his support and issued a stern warning to those still involved in the illicit trade to desist before the law catches up with them.
The Edo State Government restated that the crackdown will continue relentlessly until all communities are safe, secure and free from the scourge of illegal drugs.
