The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Edo State has announced that it has arrested 252 suspected drug dealers and traffickers over the past nine months.

In a statement released by the agency's media officer, Ondoimi Bebetu, the state's Commander, Buba Wakawa, explained that the suspects were arrested between January and September, and that those considered users were counselled and released to their loved ones, in accordance with the law.

He said, “From January till date, NDLEA has arrested 252 suspected drug traffickers and peddlers in the state. Some of them have been jailed, some are still in court, while others have been counselled.

“We go to hotels and recreational centres where young boys and girls hide to traffick drugs. The arrested suspects are usually questioned to know those who are dealers, drug peddlers and users.”

He added, “Some of the commonest drugs from these dealers are cannabis, tramadol, cocaine, heroin, colorado, and codeine syrup. The users sniff this drug, sometimes cook or chew them raw while they smoke the dried one, and swallow tramadol,” .