NDLEA Ondo Command Recovers 5,356.7kg of Drugs, Nabs 59 Suspects

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ondo State Command, says it has seized more than 5,356.7kg of illicit drugs across the state within the last two months.

The command also disclosed that it had arrested 59 suspects — 52 males and seven females — in connection with various drug-related offences during the same period.

The state Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Gabriel Folayemi, made this known on Tuesday in Akure while briefing journalists on the command's recent activities. He said the seizures form part of a series of operational successes recorded since he assumed office on July 24.

According to Folayemi, the command recovered 5,356.705kg of Cannabis Sativa, 77.3 grams of methamphetamine, and 299 grams of psychotropic substances during the period. He added that operatives also destroyed a four-hectare Cannabis Sativa farm, describing the action as part of broader efforts to disrupt the cultivation, distribution and consumption of illicit drugs within the state.

Detailing some of the command's major operations, Folayemi said officers intercepted a 40-foot container truck conveying dairy products to northern Nigeria, within which 52 bags of Cannabis Sativa had been concealed. In a separate operation, operatives arrested a Mitsubishi Canter truck loaded with 159 bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing approximately 1,667 kilogrammes.

"Another notable success was the interception of a Toyota Camry along Itaogbolu with over 210 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa neatly concealed in its boot," he said.
He further disclosed that, acting on credible intelligence and following a coordinated operation, operatives intercepted a 20,000-litre-capacity fuel tanker that had been specially modified with a hidden compartment for transporting illicit drugs while simultaneously conveying petroleum products. "Upon a thorough search of the vehicle, operatives discovered and recovered a total of 2,145 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, carefully concealed within the hidden compartment of the tanker," Folayemi said, noting that the tanker was carrying legitimate fuel cargo destined for Jos, Plateau State — in what he described as a calculated attempt by criminal elements to evade security checks and move illicit drugs across the country.

The commander said these achievements reflect the dedication and professionalism of the command's officers in tackling drug trafficking and related criminal activities. He noted that the increasing sophistication of trafficking methods demands sustained intelligence gathering, heightened vigilance and well-coordinated operations among law enforcement agencies.

Folayemi vowed that the command would continue identifying and dismantling criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade, warning traffickers and their collaborators against viewing Ondo State as a safe haven for such activities.

"No matter the level of sophistication or concealment employed, the command remains determined and capable of uncovering illicit operations and bringing perpetrators to justice," he said. "The command is currently intensifying investigations to identify all individuals and networks connected to this criminal enterprise. Those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the NDLEA Act and other relevant laws of the country."

He commended the officers involved in the operations for their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty, and urged members of the public to continue providing useful information to support the command's ongoing efforts.