We have destroy£d more than 51 hectares of cannabis sativa plantations, arrested 281 suspects across Ekiti State in the past year – Ndlea Says
We have destroy£d more than 51 hectares of cannabis sativa plantations, arrested 281 suspects across Ekiti State in the past year – Ndlea Says
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said it destroyed more than 51 hectares of cannabis sativa plantations and arrested 281 suspects involved in ill^cit drug tr^ff*cking, peddling and ab^se across Ekiti State in the past year.
The Ekiti State Commander of the agency, Rufus Aina, disclosed this on Thursday in Ado Ekiti during activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day.
He said the command also secured the conviction of 50 suspects, while other cases remain pending before the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.
World Drug Day is celebrated annually on June 26. The theme for the 2026 edition is, “The World Dr^g Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Aina described the large-scale cultivation of cannabis in several communities across the state as a major challenge.
He said, “In Ekiti State, the challenge is particularly significant due to the illi&cit cultivation of cannabis sativa in commercial quantities in many of the local governments and communities.
“While some may view cannabis cultivation as a source of income, its !llegal production, tr^fficking, peddling and usage have far-reaching consequences, including criminality, insecurity, school dropouts, substance dependence, and the destruction of livelihoods, forest reserves and communities he stated.
Highlighting some major convictions, Aina said the command secured a 20-year jail term for one Osho Akindele, who was arrested with various !llicit substances.
He also revealed that two octogenarians had been arrested.
“Also of importance to mention is the arrest of the following octogenarians — one 78-year-old grandpa, Ogunjobi Samuel from Ilupeju-Ekiti and 80-year-old Oke Samuel from Efon-Alaaye-Ekiti for possession and dealings in !llicit substances,” he said.
The commander urged residents to support the f!ght against dr^g abuse and traff^cking.
“Let us renew our collective resolve to confront the persistent issues, address emerging challenges and adopt innovative responses that will ensure a safer and healthier future for all,” he said.
Aina also appreciated sister security agencies, non-governmental organisations, the Drug Free Community Development Service of the National Youth Service Corps, students and the Kayode Adamolekun Foundation for supporting the agency’s activities in the state.
