The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has uncovered a fresh wave of illicit drug trafficking operations across Nigeria, arresting a 101-year-old great-grandmother, intercepting cocaine concealed in edible cassava flour popularly known as fufu, and seizing cannabis consignments worth more than N4.4 billion at the Apapa and Lekki ports in Lagos.
The latest operations, carried out across several states and the Federal Capital Territory, also resulted in the recovery of large quantities of methamphetamine, skunk, Loud, tramadol, codeine, diazepam and other controlled substances.
In one of the most unusual arrests recorded by the agency, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, August 15, arrested Esther Ogunmabo, 101, at Ilisan, Ogun State, for allegedly dealing in cannabis.
Ogunmabo was found with 90 grammes of skunk packed in retail sachets, which she reportedly admitted selling to residents in the community.
According to the NDLEA, the centenarian said she turned to the illicit trade after her provisions shop was destroyed by fire. She allegedly told investigators that one of her daughters, who lives in Lagos, supplies her with the cannabis every four days, which she subsequently sells in small quantities.
However, citing her advanced age, NDLEA chairman and chief executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd.), directed that the elderly suspect be granted bail and placed under counselling.
Her daughter, however, was arrested in connection with the case.
In another dramatic interception, NDLEA operatives in Akwa Ibom State intercepted a wooden boat on the high seas on Friday, August 21, allegedly conveying illicit drugs to fishing settlements in the Republic of Cameroon.
Three suspects were arrested aboard the vessel, which was heading towards Ine Isu, Ine Mbah and Ine Ikot Itie Udung fishing ports in Cameroon.
They were identified as Etima Effiong Ekpo, 29; Otobong Eyoh Etukudoh, 33; and Kingsley Effiong John, 27.
Ekpo was found with 1.120kg of skunk, while Etukudoh had 42.060kg of the substance.
NDLEA’s spokesperson Femi Babafemi said John was allegedly found with 20 grammes of cocaine cleverly concealed inside a large wrap of edible cassava fufu, in addition to 435 grammes of skunk.
A combined 42.622kg of illicit drugs was recovered from the three suspects.
The NDLEA also announced what it described as its first-ever seizure of illicit drugs shipped from Thailand through the maritime corridor, following the interception of two containers of cannabis indica, popularly known as Loud, at the Apapa and Lekki ports.
The combined street value of the consignments was estimated at more than N4.4 billion.
The two containers were loaded at the Port of Laem Chabang in Thailand, highlighting what the agency described as an emerging trafficking route being exploited by international drug syndicates.
