The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed a 30-hectare cannabis plantation in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The operation, which took place in a forested area, also led to the arrest of several suspects linked to the cultivation and distribution of the illegal substance.
State Commander of the NDLEA, Mrs. Rachel Umebuali, disclosed the development during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Calabar.
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She expressed concern over the locals’ protection of drug dealers, which she said is undermining enforcement efforts.
According to her, “They come here and give money to the locals who protect them by not giving out information about their unholy activities.”
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She revealed that 163.9kg of cannabis sativa seed was recovered from the plantation, adding that the command seized a total of 6,716.8kg of illicit drugs between January and June 2025.
This includes 2,935kg of cannabis sativa, 129.6kg of methamphetamine, 82.7kg of psychotropics, 33.3 liters of cannabis mixture, 47.7kg of cocaine, 32.3kg of heroin, 69.7kg of opioids and barbiturates, and 5 grams of ecstasy.
Additionally, 191 individuals were arrested within the period, with 15 convictions secured. Umebuali highlighted the command’s awareness campaigns, noting, “Between January and June this year, we carried out 191 sensitisation outings to schools, market places, churches, mosques, and NGOs.”
She commended the support of the state’s First Lady, Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, in marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse, themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
