The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will intensify raids on identified drug hotspots in Edo State ahead of the July 11 local government election in the state.
The NDLEA Commander in Edo, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated this on Tuesday in Benin, while receiving the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mr. Obo Effanga.
Ofoyeju said the exercise was aimed at curbing drug-induced violence and ensure peaceful polls in the state.
The NDLEA boss said that the agency would undertake targeted operations before, during and after the elections to prevent criminal elements from exploiting illicit drugs to foment violence.
He said: “We will conduct targeted raid operations on identified drug flashpoints before, during and after the elections.
“Our goal is to take illicit drugs off the streets and deny criminal elements the means to cause disruption.”
Earlier, Effanga had commended the agency for its support and professionalism during previous elections in the state.
According to him, NDLEA’s efforts in tackling drug abuse and trafficking have contributed significantly to reducing incidents of drug-induced violence capable of undermining peaceful electoral processes.
(Ripples)