The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a couple for allegedly operating a drug warehouse in Benin City.

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the warehouse, located in a residential area along Sapele Road, Benin City, was raided following credible intelligence.

He said the main suspects, a husband and wife, were arrested during the operation, while a large quantity of illicit drugs was recovered from the warehouse.

He said, “We arrested a husband and wife, Christian Chukwuka, 32, and Nwanneka Christian, 33, at the illicit warehouse where they deal in narcotic drugs.

“The arrest and seizure reflect growing concern over drug trafficking and abuse. Both suspects, who hail from Ndokwa in Delta State, were apprehended at the warehouse.

“The drugs were detected in a warehouse located in a residential area along Sapele Road, Benin City. The discovery highlights growing concern over drug trafficking and illegal drug distribution in the state.”

Ofoyeju said the successful operation followed credible intelligence on the alleged criminal activities of the couple.

He added that NDLEA operatives raided the illicit storage facility and seized 22 bags of skunk, weighing 219.5 kilogrammes, as well as compressed blocks of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of synthetic cannabis, weighing 192.67 kilogrammes.

He described the seizure as one of the most significant drug busts recorded in the state, adding that the agency remained committed to dismantling illegal drug operations and safeguarding communities.

The commander said investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would soon be charged in court.

“Our efforts to combat drug trafficking remain unwavering. We will thoroughly investigate this case and ensure that justice is served,” he said.

One of the suspects, Christian Chukwuka, attributed his involvement in drug trafficking to poverty and unemployment.

He said, “I am a secondary school graduate, and I learnt how to drive trucks, but because of joblessness, a friend introduced me to drug trafficking.

“My wife has a set of twins for me, and the pressure of financial upkeep has been a challenge. If given another chance, I promise not to deal in drugs again.”