The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Edo says it has arrested 67 persons for allegedly trafficking in various drugs in the state.

The Commander of the agency, Mr Buba Wakawa, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Benin.

Wakawa said the suspects that comprised 47 males and 20 females were arrested in various parts of the state between July and August.

He also disclosed that suspected illicit drugs totaling about 779.572 kilogrammes were seized within the period.

He said about 45.5 hectares of land estimated to yield about 216, 835 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis sativa were also destroyed.

Giving a breakdown of the figure, the commander said that about 114.75 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis sativa were seized and about 667.62 kilogrammes of the same substance abandoned by the owners were confiscated.

The commander said two grammes of Heroin; 26.1 grammes of suspected cocaine and 170 grammes of Psychotropic drugs were seized within the period.

He further said that one vehicle was seized during the period.

Wakawa described cannabis cultivation as a major threat to food security, peace and development in the state and appealed for the urgent intervention of leaders at all levels.

NAN