73-year-old busted for drug trafficking in Edo

In a series of nationwide operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant arrests, including two elderly suspects, exposing the widespread nature of drug trafficking in Nigeria.

James Ugbedo, 73, was apprehended in Edo State with 5.6 kilograms of cannabis, while 70-year-old Comfort Odudu was caught in Bayelsa State with 5 kilograms of skunk.

The operations included the destruction of 1,459.75 kilograms of cannabis in Edo, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to eliminating illicit drug production across age groups and regions.

The crackdown also saw major seizures in Lagos, Kogi, Taraba, Niger, and Abuja, ranging from tramadol capsules to synthetic cannabis and designer drugs like Molly.

NDLEA operations intercepted shipments in transit to neighboring countries, showing the cross-border scope of drug trafficking.

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) praised officers nationwide for their diligence.

“These arrests show that no one, regardless of age, is above the law when it comes to the trafficking of illicit drugs,” he said.

The operations were accompanied by continued public awareness campaigns under the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, targeting schools, workplaces, and community leaders to educate Nigerians on the dangers of drug abuse.