The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has announced the arrest of 19-year-old social media influencer, Praise Nwogu—popularly known as Candy—for allegedly advertising and distributing cannabis-infused cookies online.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the state commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, a second suspect, 25-year-old Ebong Oghosa, was also taken into custody during the November 22 operation.
Ofoyeju explained that the arrests followed several weeks of surveillance and intelligence efforts aimed at dismantling an online network responsible for producing and marketing cookies laced with cannabis.
Both suspects were reportedly caught with different types of confectioneries that later tested positive for cannabis. Nwogu, who is based in Benin but hails from Imo State, was found with 12 plates and one cup of brownies made with cannabis indica. She was identified as the chief promoter of the operation through multiple social media videos.
Oghosa, believed to be the main producer and originally from Akwa Ibom State, was arrested with 76 grams of cannabis sativa, 1.5 grams of Colorado, as well as a large pan and a plate of cannabis-infused brownies.
In the statement, Ofoyeju said, “The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 19-year-old social media influencer, Praise Nwogu known as Candy, for promoting and selling cookies laced with cannabis online. Another suspect, Ebong Oghosa, (25 years old) was also arrested in an operation which was carried out on November 22. The two suspects were apprehended with various confectioneries that tested positive for cannabis.”
He added that the operation reflects the agency’s sustained efforts to clamp down on drug-related crimes and reinforce the law against individuals involved in producing or distributing prohibited substances.
Ofoyeju stressed that officers acted swiftly in response to emerging techniques adopted by online drug traffickers, warning those involved in such activities to expect arrests.
He confirmed that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will soon be charged in court, while urging the public to report suspicious behaviour or drug-related concerns in their neighbourhoods.
PUNCH Online previously reported that the NDLEA in Edo recently destroyed nine cannabis farms. Ofoyeju added that the agency and the state government were working closely to curb cannabis cultivation, while encouraging drug-control measures that promote sustainable agriculture.
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