From Ebohon Joan
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 85-year-old grandmother, Grace Ehimeka, popularly known as Mama Grace, over alleged possession and sale of 179kg of cannabis.
The octogenarian was reportedly arrested on October 16, 2026, at her residence in Warake community, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, with 15 bags of cannabis weighing 179kg.
According to the NDLEA, Mama Grace admitted ownership of the illicit drugs and pleaded for forgiveness, claiming that she took to selling cannabis more than two years ago to survive following the loss of her husband.
She reportedly said that members of her family had repeatedly warned her to stop the business, but she continued to postpone her decision to quit.
The agency quoted her as saying that she was ready to stop selling cannabis if she was given another chance.
Meanwhile, the Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that five other suspected drug traffickers were arrested during coordinated operations across Owan East LGA.
The suspects were identified as;Ali Garba, 57; Habib Braimoh, 45; Musa Mubid, 35; Ayo Aigberadion, 53; and Hope Okoro, 35. They were arrested in Warake, Ivbiaro, Ewe Uzeba and other communities following actionable intelligence.
Ofoyeju said the operations resulted in the seizure of 407.39kg of cannabis, 546 grams of loud, 114 grams of tramadol, four grams of diazepam and three grams of swinol.
The commander warned that old age would not exempt anyone from facing the consequences of alleged criminal activities, stressing that the agency remained committed to tackling drug trafficking and substance abuse across the state.
He added that the arrests and seizures formed part of the command’s renewed efforts to rid Edo State of illicit drugs.
The NDLEA commander also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information that could assist the agency in its fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The agency has reiterated its determination to sustain operations against individuals suspected of engaging in the illegal drug trade.
