The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 101-year-old great-grandmother over the alleged sale of cannabis in Ilisan, Ogun State, as the agency reported major drug seizures across several parts of Nigeria.
The centenarian was arrested on August 15 with 90 grammes of skunk, a form of cannabis. The NDLEA said she admitted selling the substance in small quantities after turning to the illicit trade when a fire destroyed her provisions shop.
Investigators were reportedly told that her daughter, who lives in Lagos, supplied her with cannabis every four days for distribution to customers. The daughter was subsequently arrested in connection with the alleged operation.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), directed that the 101-year-old woman be granted bail and receive counselling because of her advanced age. The agency did not disclose whether further legal action would be taken against her after the counselling process.
The agency also reported a separate seizure in Akwa Ibom, where operatives intercepted a wooden boat allegedly transporting illicit drugs to fishing settlements in Cameroon. Three suspects were arrested, while about 42.622kg of narcotics was recovered, including 42.06kg of skunk and 20 grammes of cocaine concealed inside a large wrap of cassava fufu.
One of the biggest seizures came through Nigeria’s maritime ports, where the NDLEA intercepted more than 1.49 tonnes of cannabis indica, popularly known as Loud, in two containers originating from Thailand. About 1,090.5kg was found at Apapa Port and another 400kg at Lekki Deep Sea Port.
The agency estimated the street value of the two consignments at more than ₦4.4 billion. It said the seizures marked the first time it had intercepted illicit drugs shipped from Thailand through Nigeria’s maritime corridor, raising concerns about a new route allegedly being used by drug trafficking networks.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said the agency also recovered methamphetamine, cannabis, opioids and other illicit substances during intelligence-led operations in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Oyo, Kwara, Kano, Abia and the Federal Capital Territory.
