In a major operation, the Edo State Police Command has cracked down on a suspected drug den in Benin City, arresting 18 individuals believed to be users. This comes amidst growing concerns about drug abuse in the state.
The raid, conducted by the command’s surveillance unit, targeted a house on Ogbelaka Street, which authorities received information about being a haven for “criminal elements, illicit drugs, arms and ammunition.”
Eighteen individuals, including 12 males and 6 females between the ages of 17 and 39, were apprehended. Police also recovered a substance suspected to be Indian hemp from the scene.
Controversy surrounds the government’s role in tackling drug abuse. While some argue the government hasn’t done enough to address the issue, others emphasize the complexities of addiction and the need for a multi-pronged approach.
Edo State Police Commissioner Funsho Adeboye addressed the media after the raid, highlighting the concerning effects of drug use on individuals and society.
He stated, “The effect of their drug intake is telling on the suspects as some of them are no longer useful to society.”
The arrested individuals will undergo medical evaluation and rehabilitation. Commissioner Adeboye clarified, “We are going to hand them over to police medical doctors for treatment and rehabilitation. But those whose condition is above us would be sent to the appropriate place they need to be for treatment.”
The operation also seeks to dismantle the drug supply chain. Commissioner Adeboye emphasized, “The police are on the trail of dealers who sell the drugs to youths.” He urged the public to refrain from harboring individuals suspected of drug use and to report them to the authorities.
This incident has sparked discussions about the prevalence of drug abuse in Edo State and the need for combined efforts from law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and the community to combat this issue.
