Officers of the Edo State Command have raided a suspected drug-dealing location on Ihama Road in the GRA area of Benin City, arresting three suspects and recovering suspected illicit substances, including synthetic cannabis and nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.
The Command said the area is known for open drug sales to motorists and that some people there have developed drug dependencies. It added that the site was largely deserted on Wednesday and Thursday after a patrol team began round-the-clock stop-and-search operations.
One suspect, Omoreghan Paul, 26, was allegedly found with 3.17 grams of cannabis, described by the Command as “Cannabis Loud.” The other suspects, Omoruyi Osarobo, from Orhionmwon Local Government Area, and Obed Osagie, from Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, were allegedly found with six cylinders of nitrous oxide.
Edo State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju said the operation followed a directive from the Agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), to target drug peddlers and address other activities that may provide cover for illicit drug dealing.
“Our operatives raided the notorious drug spot at Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City, and arrested three suspects. They also recovered suspected illicit substances, including synthetic cannabis and nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas,” Ofoyeju said. He added that the directive had produced positive results and that the operation would be intensified and sustained.
Ofoyeju said the Command would maintain its efforts, adding that it remained committed to ridding Edo State of illicit substances and was counting on support from stakeholders.
