The Edo State Government and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) are strategizing to address the problem of cannabis cultivation in the state.

The agency said this drug control measures aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices were discussed during a working visit on Wednesday by Dr Jerry Uwangue, the Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, to the Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, at the NDLEA headquarters in Benin City.

The meeting focused on potential collaboration between the two agencies in areas such as the adoption of Alternative Development programmes and strategies for the confiscation of land used for cannabis cultivation. Commander Mitchell disclosed that the Edo State Command has conducted nine cannabis farm destructions since January 2025.

“We have carried out nine major cannabis farm destruction operations covering 77.5122197 hectares with an estimated yield of 193,491.1kg since January 2025. This huge amount would have contributed immensely to reducing the problem of food insecurity in the state. In addition, to the prosecution of cannabis cultivators, it will equally serve as a deterrent if such land is confiscated by the government,” Ofoyeju.

Uwangue in his speech acknowledged the critical role the NDLEA plays in combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state. He emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach between agricultural and law enforcement agencies to address the issue of illegal drug cultivation, which has been a growing concern.