Nigeria’s authorities have launched a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, resulting in the arrest of an elderly woman, identified as Esther Ogunmabo, who is 101 years old. The arrest, announced by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday, has sparked widespread concern and highlighted the escalating drug problem across the country. The NDLEA stated that the suspect was apprehended in Ogun state, a region already experiencing a surge in drug-related activity, following a tip-off regarding the sale of cannabis. Esther Ogunmabo, described as a ‘great-grandmother’ by authorities, was found with ‘retail sachets of skunk,’ a strain of cannabis weighing approximately 90 grams, according to the NDLEA’s statement. The investigation revealed that the suspect, who is believed to be in the 100s, had been supplying the illicit drug to local residents for several weeks. According to the NDLEA, the suspect initially began selling the cannabis after her shop was destroyed by fire, prompting her to seek refuge in a local community. She has been granted bail pending further investigation. The NDLEA’s media director, Femi Babafemi, explained that the suspect’s daughter, residing in Lagos, arranged for the delivery of cannabis to her every four days, further bolstering the investigation. The investigation into the source of the cannabis has led to the arrest of one of her daughters, who has also been implicated in the distribution network. The NDLEA has stated that the arrest of the elderly woman represents a significant milestone in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, particularly in maritime routes. In Akwa Ibom state, operatives intercepted a wooden boat heading to Cameroon, resulting in the apprehension of three individuals on board. A total of 42 kilograms of narcotics were recovered, representing a substantial increase in the NDLEA’s seizure efforts. Notably, the agency reported the first-ever seizure of illicit drugs from Thailand, indicating a broadening of the agency’s strategy. The NDLEA further stated that the arrest of the 101-year-old woman has implications for the ongoing investigation into the maritime drug routes and the wider drug trade within Nigeria. The agency is urging the public to report any suspicious activity to ensure the safety of communities and prevent further drug-related incidents. For more information on drug control and the latest developments, visit BBCAfrica.com. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica and Facebook at BBC Africa and Instagram at bbcafrica,” , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Source: BBC Africa
