NDLEA seizes 2.3 tons of cannabis in Kwara

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted and seized 2.318 tons of cannabis in separate operations in Kwara State within one week.

Fatima Popoola, State commander of the agency, made this known on Tuesday at a press briefing in Ilorin, the state capital.

According to her, the seizures were made during raids along the Offa and Omu-Aran axis between 3 am and 5.30 am.

Four suspects were arrested after concealing the drugs in Canter trucks and sacks of sawdust to evade detection.

“This is one of the biggest seizures we have made in a single week in recent times, with a street value running into billions of naira,” Popoola said.

She explained that one suspect was arrested with 1.2 tons, another with 300kg, while two others were linked to a 720kg seizure.

She added that a J5 vehicle initially thought to be empty was later discovered to be fully loaded with cannabis.

The NDLEA commander stressed that drug abuse fuels violent crimes in parts of Kwara, including Kaiama, Chikanda, Patigi, Edu, and Omu Aran.

Popoola noted that while the command seized only two tons of drugs in 2024, over 2,000kg had already been intercepted between January and August 2025.

She attributed the success to stronger collaboration with the police, army, civil defence, and traditional rulers.

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Kwara State Governor, represented by Saadu Salahu, his Special Adviser, commended the agency for the feat, adding that the government is working with community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society to raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and support the fight against drug trafficking.