NDLEA Busts Female Online Drug Traffickers in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has announced the arrest of two female suspects allegedly operating an illicit online drug ring specializing in drug-laced confectioneries. The arrests mark a significant disruption of a sophisticated digital trafficking network targeting unsuspecting consumers in Benin City.

Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Edo State NDLEA Commander, confirmed the arrests and stated that the agency has successfully dismantled the suspects’ online drug cell, which relied on social media platforms for sales.

The two suspects were identified as Praise Nwogu, a 19 years old known by the alias “Candy,” and 25 years old Ebong Emem Oghosa. Both women allegedly specialized in secretly infusing cookies and brownies with cannabis.

Ofoyeju revealed that the arrests were the culmination of six weeks of “persistent surveillance and intelligence gathering,” necessitated by the evolving tactics of online drug traffickers.

The Edo State NDLEA boss confirmed that the suspects were apprehended with various types of confectioneries, which subsequently tested positive for the presence of cannabis.

He disclosed that the operation leading to the arrests was executed on November 22, 2025, noting that the swift action emphasizes the agency’s readiness to respond to the shift towards online drug sales.

Praise Nwogu, who hails from Imo State and resides in Benin City, was found in possession of twelve plates and a cup of brownies explicitly infused with cannabis indica.

Nwogu is alleged to be the mastermind behind the operation’s online promotion, utilizing numerous videos across different social media channels to market the illicit goods.

Her accomplice, Ebong Emem Oghosa, who is from Akwa Ibom State and also resides in Benin City, is believed to be the production expert responsible for manufacturing the infused products.

During her arrest, Oghosa was caught with 76 grams of cannabis sativa, 1.5 grams of Colorado, a highly potent form of cannabis, along with one large pan and a plate of brownies ready for distribution.

Dr. Ofoyeju issued a stern warning to other individuals who attempt to operate under the “canopy of online drug trafficking,” advising them to prepare for imminent arrest by the agency.

He confirmed that a thorough investigation into the case is actively ongoing and stressed that both suspects will be formally charged to court in the near future.

The Commander emphasized the operation’s success as a clear indicator of the NDLEA’s commitment to combating all drug-related offenses and ensuring the firm enforcement of the law against distributors of illegal substances.

He delivered a powerful message to the public, expressing deep concern that “innocent customers do not know that the cookies are laced with illicit drugs,” including synthetic cannabis known as Colorado.

Ofoyeju condemned the deceptive marketing practice, stating that when the perpetrators advertise their products online, they deliberately omit that the cookies contain illicit drugs, labeling the entire operation as “fraudulent and unacceptable.”

He warned that consuming these products could have devastating consequences for unsuspecting students and other members of society, urging members of the public to be extremely cautious about what they consume.

Finally, the NDLEA boss called for greater community involvement, urging members of the public to report any suspicious activities or drug-related issues to the agency, stressing that societal health improves through collaboration with law enforcement.