Drug trafficking: Females top list of arrested suspects in Edo

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, has expressed worry over alleged upsurge in the number of women involved in drug trafficking offenses in the State.

Ofoyeju stated this on Thursday in Benin at the decoration of 73 newly promoted officers of the NDLEA.

He lamented what he described as a shift in the socio-economic vulnerability of women and a breakdown of traditional family stability.

“We have observed that females top the list of persons arrested, with 29, while males are 20. This is concerning, as it highlights a shift in the socio-economic vulnerability of women and a breakdown of traditional family stability,” he said.

Ofoyeju who disclosed that the Command is strategizing on re-orientation of family values to address this negative development, however noted the assessment of the seizures clearly shows that NDLEA is winning the war against narcotics with unprecedented harvest of arrests and seizures in the State.

“The Command’s efforts have not gone without recognition, as it successfully secured convictions in four notable drug cases during the month. Additionally, in its commitment to addressing drug abuse, 24 individuals with drug use problems were counselled and reunited with family members, illustrating the agency’s holistic approach towards combating drug-related issues within the community,” he said.

Commenting on the decoration of the newly promoted operatives, Ofoyeju noted that promotion in the NDLEA is not automatic, but earned as a reward for diligence, integrity, and outstanding performance in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

“This yearly promotion culture established by Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohmed Buba Marwa (RTD) CON has optimised the operational results of the agency. The morale of officers is now high as they are enthusiastically poised to take on the most daring drug cartels,” he said.