The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a husband and wife for allegedly operating a large drug warehouse in Benin City, Edo State, where hundreds of kilograms of illicit substances were recovered.

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, explaining that the operation was carried out after the agency received credible intelligence about the suspects’ alleged activities.

According to him, operatives stormed the warehouse located in a residential neighbourhood along Sapele Road in Benin City and arrested the couple identified as Christian Chukwuka, 32, and his wife, Nwanneka Christian, 33.

Ofoyeju 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.”

He stated that the raid led to the recovery of 22 bags of skunk weighing 219.5 kilograms, alongside compressed blocks of Canadian Loud, a potent synthetic cannabis strain, with a combined weight of 192.67 kilograms.

The NDLEA commander described the operation as one of the biggest drug seizures recorded in Edo State, stressing that the agency would continue intensifying efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and protect residents from the dangers of illicit drugs.

He also confirmed that investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the probe.

“Our efforts to combat drug trafficking remain unwavering. We will thoroughly investigate this case and ensure that justice is served,” Ofoyeju said.
One of the suspects, Christian Chukwuka, blamed his involvement in the illegal drug trade on economic hardship 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.”