A major anti-drug operation in Edo State has led to the arrest of a husband and wife after operatives allegedly uncovered more than 412 kilograms of illegal drugs in their warehouse.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said the suspects were arrested in Benin City following intelligence that linked them to an alleged drug distribution operation.
Moreover, officials described the seizure as one of the significant recoveries recorded during recent enforcement efforts in the state.
The case has also attracted attention after the husband reportedly blamed poverty and unemployment for his alleged involvement in the illegal trade. However, the agency maintained that investigations would continue before the suspects are charged in court.
The drug arrest has become another major breakthrough in the agency’s ongoing campaign against drug trafficking. Authorities believe disrupting supply chains remains critical to reducing the circulation of illegal substances across the country.
According to the NDLEA, the suspects have been identified as 32-year-old Christian Chukwuka and his 33-year-old wife, Nwanneka Christian.
The couple are both from Ndokwa in Delta State.
They were arrested during a raid on a warehouse located along Sapele Road in Benin City. The operation was reportedly carried out after intelligence linked them to illegal drug activities. Speaking on the operation, Edo State NDLEA Commander, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said a large quantity of suspected drugs was recovered.
According to him, operatives found 22 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 219.5 kilograms.
In addition, compressed blocks of Canadian Loud, described as a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, were recovered.
The second batch weighed 192.67 kilograms.
Altogether, the seized drugs weighed more than 412 kilograms.
Ofoyeju described the operation as another important success for the agency. He said it reflected the growing threat posed by illegal drug trafficking within the state.
Meanwhile, investigators questioned the suspects after the arrest.
During interrogation, Christian allegedly admitted his involvement in the illegal business.
He reportedly blamed unemployment and financial hardship for his decision. According to investigators, he explained that he trained as a truck driver after completing secondary school.
However, he said he could not secure a stable job. He also claimed that a friend introduced him to the illegal trade. Furthermore, Christian reportedly said the responsibility of caring for his wife and their twin children influenced his decision.
He allegedly pleaded for another opportunity. He also promised to abandon the illegal business if given another chance.
Meanwhile, the NDLEA stressed that the investigation remains ongoing.
The agency confirmed that the suspects will be charged in court after the investigation is completed. Therefore, agencies continue to intensify intelligence gathering and enforcement operations.
The NDLEA has also urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in identifying illegal drug operations.
