The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) Edo State Command has destroyed two Indian hemp farms measuring 6.96 hectares in Upokhoten Forest, Uzzebba community in Owan West LGA.
Mr Ondotimi Bebetu, the command’s assistant commander (operations), told journalists following the operation that the two plantations totaled more than 17 tonnes of hemp.
“There are two farms that have been destroyed here today,” he said. The first farm is 6.28 hectares in size. When converted to tons, it is approximately 15 tonnes.
“The second farm is 0.68 hectares in size and is also close by.” It weighs 1.7 tonnes. When you add the two, you get 17.4 tonnes of cannabis destroyed right now.”
He urged the public to provide information on how to get to such farmlands since their youth were being exposed to the health risks associated with hemp farming and consumption.