The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of 336 suspects for cannabis-related offences in Ondo State in 2025.
The agency also disclosed that it seized 22,316 kilograms of illicit drugs and destroyed 207,000 kilograms of cannabis cultivated on farms and plantations across the state within the same period.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in Akure.
Marwa said drug abuse continues to have severe effects on families and communities, noting that it also fuels various forms of criminal activity.
“Drug use has had devastating consequences on our families and communities. It has also promoted criminality. Boko Haram terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements are often linked to drug abuse,” he said.
According to him, intelligence reports revealed that kidnappers now operate within cannabis-growing communities located deep in forest areas, where access to drugs is easy.
Marwa stated that drug-use prevalence in Ondo State stands at 17 per cent, translating to about 400,000 users, compared to Lagos State’s 33 per cent prevalence, estimated at two million users.
He added that in 2025 alone, the Ondo State Command of the NDLEA recorded 336 arrests, seized 22,316 kilograms of illicit substances, secured 62 convictions, and destroyed 207,000 kilograms of cannabis from farms and plantations.
Marwa also disclosed that the agency operates a counselling and rehabilitation centre in the state, where 243 individuals have received treatment.
He described Ondo State as the highest producer of cannabis in Nigeria due to its favourable climate and soil, but noted that the NDLEA had introduced an Alternative Development Programme to curb the trend by providing lawful economic options for farmers.
The NDLEA boss commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his administration’s support for the agency’s operations in the state.
In his response, Aiyedatiwa pledged continued support for the NDLEA, particularly following the launch of the Alternative Development Programme in Ondo State.
The governor praised the agency for combining enforcement with rehabilitation and alternative livelihood initiatives, saying the approach would help reduce illegal drug cultivation.
He noted that while Ondo State is identified as a major cannabis-producing area, it is also a leading producer of legitimate agricultural products such as cocoa, adding that the majority of residents are law-abiding citizens.
