Edo NDLEA Arrests Influencer Over Sale of Cannabis-Laced Cookies

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 19-year-old social media influencer, Praise Nwogu, popularly known as Candy, for allegedly promoting and selling cookies laced with cannabis online.

NDLEA State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed in a statement on Monday that another suspect, 25-year-old Ebong Oghosa, was also apprehended during an operation conducted on November 22. “The two suspects were apprehended with various confectioneries that tested positive for cannabis,” Ofoyeju said.

According to the NDLEA, Nwogu, a resident of Benin City originally from Imo State, is believed to be the mastermind behind the online promotion, posting numerous videos on social media to market the cannabis-infused cookies. She was found in possession of 12 plates and one cup of brownies containing cannabis indica, as well as 76 grams of cannabis sativa and 1.5 grams of Colorado, a potent form of cannabis.

Oghosa, who hails from Akwa Ibom State and also resides in Benin, is reportedly responsible for producing the illicit baked goods. He was apprehended alongside a big pan and a plate of brownies during the operation.

Commander Ofoyeju noted that the arrests followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering aimed at dismantling the online drug ring. “This operation underscores the NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug-related offenses and ensuring that the law is firmly upheld against those engaged in illegal production and distribution,” he said.

He further warned that the agency is closely monitoring online drug trafficking activities and remains prepared to take swift action against perpetrators. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspects are expected to face charges in court soon.