NDLEA intercepts 2.3 tons of cannabis in Kwara

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kwara State has intercepted and seized 2.318 tons of cannabis within the past week.

The State Commander, Hajia Fatima Popoola, disclosed this at a press briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday, noting that the seizures were made during two separate operations along the Offa and Omu-Aran axis between 3:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.

According to her, four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. The drugs, concealed in Canter trucks and disguised with sacks of sawdust, were meant to evade detection at security checkpoints. One of the suspects, a driver, was caught with 1.2 tons, another with 300kg, while two others were linked to a 720kg consignment.

“In one instance, a J5 vehicle appeared empty but was found to be loaded with cannabis,” Popoola said. “This is one of the biggest seizures in a single week in recent times, with a street value running into billions of naira. It highlights the alarming scale of drug trafficking in Kwara.”

She stressed that drug abuse was fueling criminal activities across parts of the state, especially in Kaiama, Chikanda, Patigi, Edu, and Omu Aran. “No sane person wakes up to commit violent crimes. Most times, there is a drug influence behind it,” she added.

Popoola revealed that while the command seized only two tons of drugs in 2024, more than 2,000kg have already been confiscated between January and August 2025. She credited the achievement to collaboration with sister security agencies, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the NDLEA for the breakthrough. Represented by his Senior Adviser/Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu, the governor said the arrests and seizures reflected his administration’s commitment to eliminating drug abuse.

He added that the state government was working with the NDLEA, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse.

“We must educate the younger generation on the health risks of drug involvement. The fight against trafficking requires the vigilance and support of every resident,” AbdulRazaq said.

The event was attended by representatives of traditional rulers, the military, and other paramilitary agencies.