NDLEA will raid drug hotspots ahead of the Edo LGA elections

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will intensify raids on identified drug hotspots in Edo State ahead of the July 11 local government elections in the state.

NDLEA Commander in Edo, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated this on Tuesday in Benin, while receiving the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mr. Obo Effanga.

Ofoyeju said the exercise was aimed at curbing drug-induced violence and ensuring peaceful elections in the state.

The NDLEA leadership said that the agency will carry out targeted operations before, during and after the elections to prevent criminal elements from exploiting illegal drugs to fuel violence.

READ ALSO: Kidnappers Kill One Soldier, Four Hostages in Attempted Kidnapping of Chinese Citizens in Ogun

He said: “We will carry out targeted raid operations at identified drug hotspots before, during and after the elections.

“Our aim is to eradicate illegal drugs from the streets and prevent criminal elements from causing disruption.”

Earlier, Effanga praised the body for its support and professionalism during the previous elections in the state.

According to him, NDLEA’s efforts in tackling drug abuse and trafficking have made a significant contribution in reducing incidents of drug-related violence that can disrupt a peaceful election process.