NDLEA Reports Rearrest of 83-Year-Old Woman in Abia, Cannabis Seizure at Port Harcourt Airport

 

By Atlantic Reports

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has rearrested an 83-year-old woman in Abia State who was convicted of drug offences in 2025.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the agency’s spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi, said officers arrested the woman on October 7 at her home in Ite-Uzo, Umuaguma, Obingwa Local Government Area.

He said substances identified by the agency as methamphetamine and “Colorado”, a synthetic cannabinoid, were concealed around her waist beneath a wrapper. The statement did not specify their quantities.

Previous Conviction

According to Babafemi, the woman and her daughter were previously arrested at the same residence on May 17, 2025.

The agency said that operation yielded 50 grams of methamphetamine, 522 grams of skunk, 260 grams of fresh cannabis leaves and 12 grams of tramadol.

Babafemi said both pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or a ₦200,000 fine. They paid the fines and were released, according to the statement.

The latest arrest followed intelligence alleging that the woman operated a drug-selling location and harboured people involved in criminal activity in the community.

Those allegations remain the agency’s account. Her previous conviction does not establish guilt in the new case, and the statement did not announce fresh charges or a court appearance.

Cannabis Intercepted at Port Harcourt Airport

In a separate operation, NDLEA officers working with the Nigeria Customs Service arrested a South African woman at Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Rivers State.

Babafemi said officers recovered 30 parcels of cannabis described as “Thai Loud”, weighing 32.74kg, from two travelling bags.

According to the agency, the suspect arrived from Thailand through Doha aboard Qatar Airways flight QR1431.

Babafemi said she admitted previously trafficking drugs through other African countries. The alleged admission has not been tested in court, and the statement did not disclose a prosecution date.

Prevention Campaigns Continue

The agency also reported drug-awareness activities in schools and communities under its War Against Drug Abuse programme.

Locations listed included schools in Oyo, Ebonyi, Niger, Kano, Lagos and Ogun states.

NDLEA Chairman, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, commended officers involved in the operations and urged personnel to sustain both enforcement and prevention efforts.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.