In a startling operation that has drawn national attention, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 80-year-old woman, Mrs. Grace Ekpeme, in Calabar, Cross River State, for her alleged involvement in a drug trafficking network that spans multiple states across Nigeria.
The arrest was made on Saturday, July 26, 2025, following actionable intelligence gathered by the agency. Operatives stormed her residence on Edet-Nsa Street, Base Site, Calabar South, where she was taken into custody.
Drugs Hidden Inside Moimoi Sachets and Canned Goods
During the raid, NDLEA operatives uncovered over three kilograms of skunk, a highly potent form of cannabis, hidden in food packaging. The agency revealed that narcotics were cleverly concealed in moimoi sachets and canned foods, part of a growing trend among traffickers to use household items to smuggle drugs past checkpoints and law enforcement.
Seized items included:
- Colorado – a synthetic and extremely dangerous cannabis variant
- Canadian Loud – a high-grade narcotic often smuggled into the country via international courier networks
According to officials, the discovery is part of a broader crackdown on sophisticated drug syndicates that exploit food packaging to evade detection and prosecution.
NDLEA: No One Is Above the Law
An NDLEA spokesperson reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy, stating that age or status will not shield anyone from facing the full force of the law.
“This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to fight drug trafficking across all levels,” the spokesperson said. “Age, gender, or social standing is no barrier to prosecution.”
Mrs. Ekpeme remains in custody and is expected to face charges after investigations are concluded. Authorities confirmed she will be tried alongside others arrested during the coordinated national operation.
Nationwide Crackdown Intensifies
The arrest comes amid an ongoing nationwide offensive by the NDLEA to dismantle drug trafficking rings and disrupt distribution channels. The agency has made a series of high-profile arrests in recent months and continues to call on the public to report suspicious activities.
“We urge all citizens to stay alert and help protect our communities. Together, we can weaken these criminal networks,” the NDLEA added.
