Crime

NDLEA Raids Shrine Guarded by Snake, Discovers Drug Stash in Edo

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 23rd, 2024.

NDLEA Raids Shrine Guarded by Snake, Discovers Drug Stash in Edo

By Solomon Odeniyi

NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the discovery of a shrine in Edo State guarded by a snake and used for storing illegal drugs.

During the operation, NDLEA agents uncovered a large, hidden compartment in a wall, concealed by wallpapers and ritualistic items, used to store drugs.

According to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, agents seized various illicit substances, including methamphetamine, Loud, Colorado, and Arizona strains of cannabis, totaling 8.743kg, from the shrine.

“A shrine guarded by a snake and used for storing illicit drugs in the Igor community of Benin City, Edo State, was raided by NDLEA operatives. A specially constructed hole in a wall, hidden behind wallpapers and fetish items, was discovered and found to contain various quantities of methamphetamine and cannabis strains,” Babafemi stated.

Two women, Sonia Chinonso Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani, were arrested during the intelligence-led operation on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The snake guarding the shrine was neutralized.

In another operation within the state, Babafemi reported that two suspects were apprehended with 209kg of cannabis. “On Saturday, June 22, NDLEA agents raided the Usen forest in Ovia South West LGA, Edo State, arresting Obi Ferguson, 45, and Ernest Abanum, 46. They recovered 209kg of cannabis and a motorcycle,” Babafemi added.

In Lagos, NDLEA officers intercepted a consignment of 8.2kg of methamphetamine at a motor park in the Mazamaza area of Ojo. The drug, also known as ice or crystal meth, was hidden in imported chocolate wrappers and inside three loudspeakers. A 39-year-old suspect, Michael Odiomume, who was sending the package to Owerri, Imo State, was arrested on Wednesday, June 19, at the park.

In Abuja, a 76-year-old man, Francis Omofa, was arrested in connection with 340.8kg of cannabis sativa. Babafemi explained, “On Tuesday, June 18, operatives intercepted a white Nissan Frontier pickup with fake security agency registration at Kiyi village in Kuje area of the FCT. The vehicle contained 454 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing 340.8kg, sourced from Uzeba, Edo State. The elderly suspect admitted to being involved in the drug trade for a decade.”