NDLEA destroys 30 hectares of cannabis farm

A major crackdown on illicit drug cultivation in Cross River State has led to the destruction of a 30-hectare cannabis sativa plantation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The large farm, hidden within the forests of Odukpani Local Government Area, was uncovered and dismantled as part of ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to combat drug production and trafficking in the region.

Speaking on Saturday, the NDLEA Commander in Cross River, Mrs. Rachel Umebuali, confirmed the operation and expressed concern about community support for drug traffickers.

She said: “They come here and give money to the locals who protect them by not giving out information of their unholy activities.”

According to her, the raid also led to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of 163.9kg of cannabis seeds from the site.

Providing further details, Umebuali disclosed that the state command had seized a total of 6,716.8kg of various illegal substances between January and June 2025.
Breakdown of the seized drugs includes: 2,935kg of cannabis sativa
129.6kg of methamphetamine, 82.7kg of psychotropic substances, 33.3 liters of cannabis mixture, 47.7kg of cocaine, 32.3kg of heroin, 69.7kg of opioids and barbiturates and 5 grams of ecstasy.

The NDLEA also arrested 191 suspects during the six-month period, with 15 of them already convicted for drug-related offenses.

“15 persons were convicted for various offenses in the period under review,” Umebuali stated.

She emphasized the agency’s commitment to curbing drug abuse through both enforcement and education. According to her, with the support of the state’s First Lady, Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was marked successfully. The theme for the event was “The Evidence is Clear: Invest In Prevention.”

“We have also continued to carry out various advocacy programmes in various institutions across the state, with the object of reducing the menace of drug abuse in the society,” she said.

The agency has reportedly carried out 191 sensitization campaigns between January and June across schools, marketplaces, religious institutions, NGOs, and other community centers.

Despite these efforts, Umebuali noted that the command continues to face significant challenges due to limited funding and logistical constraints.