NDLEA uncovers over 10,000 bags of cannabis in Ondo warehouse
At least 10,210 bags of cannabis sativa concealed in a makeshift warehouse in Ondo state has been uncovered by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Jonah Achema, said days ago in Abuja that the cannabis sativa, weighing 132.730 tons, were concealed at the warehouse located in Uteh, a remote community in the state.
Achema said the warehouse belongs to a man simply referred to as Peter.
He said it was located in a very thick forest where all cannabis harvests within the forest are stored for onward distribution to the illicit drug markets.
“Peter who is currently at large is said to be the Chairman of Cannabis Cultivators Association in Uteh in Ondo state,” Achema said.
“The storage facility where the consignments belonging to over 30 farmers were stored was guarded by armed men who took to their heels upon sighting the NDLEA officers and men.
“The operation code-named “Operation Thunder Strike II”, was jointly carried out by the Agency’s Special Enforcement Team along with the Agency’s Tactical teams from Ondo and Edo State Commands.
He also said that the agency had earlier stormed the forests in October 2018 where it destroyed several hectares of cannabis plantations and storage facilities.
The exercise, Achema said, has helped to financially incapacitate the cultivators.
“The Agency will like to assure cannabis farmers in Ondo state and other parts of the country that they will suffer more losses through the activities of the agency in this harvest season,” he added.
