The Edo State Command of the NDLEA expressed concern over a surge in illicit drug activities, likening the sale of drugs to the ubiquity of sachet water.
The new Commander, Callys Alumona, conveyed this during a visit to Governor Godwin Obaseki at the Government House in Benin City.
Alumona highlighted the prevalence of drug peddling in certain areas of Benin metropolis, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the situation.
According to him, “We have been to Ihama and Country Home Hotel Roads and other hotspots for sale of illicit drugs in the State. What we saw was not pleasing at all. Drugs are being hawked like pure water in these areas.
“This experience has led us to begin to raid some of these places identified. We have raided Ihama about three times to get these people.”
He added that about 12 drug abusers have been apprehended and are currently being rehabilitated.
He also added that about 14,000 tonnes of cannabis sativa have been destroyed in the state while about 153,000 kilograms of cannabis and other assorted drugs have been mopped up from the streets.