The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Cross River State Command, has confiscated 2,687 tonnes of cannabis sativa and its seeds during a recent operation in the Obereakai community of Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The operation, which was carried out following credible intelligence, lasted for four hours. State Commander of the NDLEA, Rachael Umebuali, confirmed the development in Calabar on Thursday, noting that the raid led to the arrest of three individuals.
She stated, “We discovered a warehouse with several bags of Indian hemp. We have been on operations between 11pm yesterday and 3 am this morning. We have arrested three suspects. The seeds weigh about 163kg and could be cultivated on at least 1,000 hectares of farmland. If released into society, it would bring significant harm.”
Umebuali commended the Cross River State Government, especially the Office of the State Security Adviser, for its critical support in making the operation a success. She reaffirmed the agency’s determination to continue its fight against illicit drugs in the state.
“The people go to the rural areas, places they know it is difficult to access because of the terrain so they can perpetuate this evil. As long as people can reach there, we will also reach there because it is our business to combat this menace,” she emphasised.
The NDLEA Commander further noted that the agency is actively pursuing the prime suspect behind the illicit warehouse and vowed to ensure justice is served.
The three suspects apprehended were identified as 47-year-old Friday Archibong, 21-year-old Abraham Anthony, and 24-year-old Utibe Okon.
During interrogation, Archibong claimed he was the landlord of the building and had rented the premises to a man identified as Ruben Udo, who allegedly fled with his family before the operation.
Anthony also disclosed that the cannabis was usually transported by boat through the Okpo River from farmlands owned by Ruben Udo.
Umebuali raised alarms over the potential danger of such a massive quantity of drugs entering society, warning that its circulation could result in devastating consequences.
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