Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a large stash of cannabis concealed inside a shrine in Edo State, recovering about 498 kilograms of skunk cannabis during an intelligence-led operation.

The raid was carried out on May 22, 2026, at Igwe Community in Owan East Local Government Area after credible intelligence pointed to the site being used by a drug syndicate.

According to the Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the drugs were allegedly abandoned by a suspected drug baron identified simply as Asrenre, who is currently on the run.

The operation led to the recovery of 59 bags of skunk cannabis weighing about 489 kilograms, alongside an additional nine kilograms of cannabis seeds that were also hidden within the shrine premises.During the operation, some youths in the community reportedly resisted the search, claiming the location was a sacred shrine occupied by deities.However, NDLEA operatives insisted on carrying out their mandate, which eventually led to the discovery of the concealed drugs.In a related development within the same community, two suspects were arrested.

A 50-year-old man, Sunday Oghaimen, was found with 945 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of tramadol, while a 33-year-old woman, Esther Igbafe, was also arrested with 874 grams of cannabis, 19 grams of tramadol, and three grams of Swinol.

The NDLEA has confirmed that all suspects are in custody while investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the drugs and dismantle the wider trafficking network linked to the fleeing suspect.

Authorities also said a manhunt has been launched for Asrenre, the alleged drug baron, as the agency continues efforts to rid Edo State of illicit drug activities.