A twenty-nine years old female drug trafficker, Owoeye Tobi, has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour by a Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State.

The presiding judge, Justice B. O. Quadiri also gave the convict an option of N25 million fine.

The convict was sentenced in connection with multiple drug charges involving unlawful possession of illegal substances, including cannabis sativa, heroin, cocaine, tramadol capsules and methamphetamine.

Justice Quadri sentenced the convict to two years’ imprisonment on each of the five counts, as well as an option of a N5 million fine also on each of the five counts.

The convict, who hails from Osun State, was charged in case number FHC/B/16c/2025, following her arrest in February 2025 by officers of the NDLEA Edo State Command.

She was found in unlawful possession of drugs weighing 168.1 grams. The substances include 161 grams of Cannabis Sativa, 0.2 grams of Heroin, 0.7 grams of Cocaine, 2.4 grams of Tramadol capsules, and 3.8 grams of Methamphetamine.

Reacting to the judgment, commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Edo State, Mitchell Ofoyeju, noted that such strict penalties are essential in deterring potential offenders and reinforcing the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Ofoyeju, who said he was pleased with the judgement, noted that drug trafficking is a criminal offence that has caused untold havoc to mankind, affecting individuals, families and society.

“Those who seek to inflict pain on society must not go unpunished. If drug traffickers know that the penalty is not only certain but commensurate, they will be dissuaded.

“This judgment is a welcome development and also highly commendable. We will continue to work collaboratively with law enforcement, the judiciary, and community organisations to address the drug problem,” he said.

The Edo NDLEA commander reiterated the Command’s dedication to combating the illicit drug trade, just as he urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious drug activities to the agency.

He said the conviction serves as a stark reminder of the legal repercussions awaiting drug dealers