NDLEA Dismantles 30-Hectare Cannabis Plantation In Cross River, Bolsters Anti-Drug Efforts.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a significant blow to illicit drug operations in Nigeria, destroying a sprawling 30-hectare cannabis sativa plantation, commonly known as Indian hemp, in a forest in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. The operation, confirmed on Saturday, 28 June 2025, underscores the agency’s relentless campaign to curb drug cultivation and trafficking across the country.
Mrs Rachel Umebuali, the NDLEA State Commander for Cross River, revealed details of the operation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar. “This was a major undertaking by our operatives, targeting a significant cannabis cultivation site hidden deep within the Odukpani forest,” she said. The destruction of the plantation, which spanned an area equivalent to approximately 30 football pitches, marks a critical step in disrupting the supply chain of illegal drugs in the region.
The operation follows a series of successful raids by the NDLEA in Cross River, including the seizure of 2,687 tonnes of cannabis sativa and its seeds in Obereakai community, Akamkpa Local Government Area, earlier this month. That raid, conducted after a tip-off, led to the arrest of three suspects and uncovered a warehouse stockpiled with the illicit substance, highlighting the scale of the challenge in the state.
Mrs Umebuali noted that the NDLEA’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to tackle drug abuse and trafficking, which remains a pressing issue in Cross River. A recent statement by Victor Bradford, Deputy Commander of Operations for NDLEA in Cross River, revealed that 75% of residents aged 12 to 65 in the state are estimated to use illicit drugs, underscoring the urgency of such operations. The agency has also prioritised prosecutions, with Cross River recording the highest number of drug-related cases at the Federal High Court in Calabar.
The destruction of the 30-hectare farm is part of a nationwide push by the NDLEA, led by Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa (Retd), to dismantle cannabis cultivation syndicates. Between January and June 2025, the agency, in collaboration with other security outfits, destroyed over 29,656 hectares of cannabis farms and seized approximately 22,710 kilograms of assorted illicit substances across Nigeria.
In addition to enforcement, the NDLEA is intensifying its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, which focuses on education and awareness to prevent drug use, particularly among youths. “Prevention is our most sustainable strategy,” said Mrs Umebuali, echoing the agency’s commitment to breaking the cycle of drug abuse through community engagement and rehabilitation programmes.
The successful operation in Odukpani has been widely commended on social media, with posts on X praising the NDLEA’s proactive stance. One user noted, “This is a bold move to protect our communities from the scourge of drugs,” reflecting public support for the agency’s efforts. However, the NDLEA continues to call on citizens to provide credible intelligence to aid its operations, emphasising the importance of community collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking.
As the NDLEA presses forward with its mission, the destruction of the Odukpani cannabis plantation stands as a testament to its resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s future from the dangers of illicit drugs. The agency’s ongoing efforts, combining enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation, signal a brighter, drug-free horizon for Cross River and beyond.
