The Edo State special task force responsible for public safety and the enforcement of government directives says it has arrested a breastfeeding mother and six others for alleged illicit drug trade in Uromi, Ubiaja, and Auchi areas of the state.

The commissioner for public safety and security, Festus Ebea, said this while parading the suspects, which included three females, on Thursday in Benin.

Mr Ebea said that the arrests followed credible intelligence and targeted raids on known drug hubs.

He stated that various quantities of illicit substances were recovered from the suspects, providing alleged incontrovertible evidence of their involvement in the sale and distribution of hard drugs.

According to the commissioner, the operation was carried out on November 26.

“Our youths are increasingly being lured into drug abuse, which fuels deviant behaviour and criminal activities

“The raids were conducted in Esan North-East, Esan South-East, and Etsako West, where seven persons were arrested, including a breastfeeding mother,” he said.

Mr Ebea noted that the state government was determined to dismantle drug networks, restore public safety, and protect young people from the destructive grip of narcotics.

He revealed that the suspects would be profiled and handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

“This operation will be sustained. It is not a one-off effort,” he said.

The chairman of the task force, CSP Michael Anetor, reaffirmed his team’s commitment to eradicating drug-related crime across the state.

He thanked the commissioner for his unwavering support and warned others involved in the illicit trade to desist from it.

(NAN)