The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has re-arrested an 83-year-old woman, Uloma Uchechi Sunday, for alleged involvement in illicit drug trafficking in Abia State.

The suspect, who is from Umuaguma Village in Obingwa Local Government Area of the state, was arrested on October 7, 2026, less than a year after she was previously convicted for a similar offence.

According to the Agency, Uloma was found in possession of illicit substances including cannabis sativa and methamphetamine. The arrest was made during a targeted operation by officers of the Abia State Command.

Displaying the suspect, the NDLEA disclosed that exhibits recovered included quantities of cannabis and methamphetamine, with preliminary weighing showing the substances totalling several grams, while further investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of her network.

The Agency noted that the re-arrest of the octogenarian raises concerns about the involvement of elderly persons in drug-related crimes, a trend it says is being exploited by drug cartels to evade suspicion.

In a related development, the NDLEA also announced the seizure of large consignments of illicit drugs in other operations across the country, including 1.1 tonnes of cannabis and quantities of methamphetamine and Colorado, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis.

The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to intensifying its crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse, warning that no individual, regardless of age or status, will be exempted from prosecution if found culpable.

The Agency urged members of the public to provide credible information that would assist in curbing the menace of drug trafficking in their communities, assuring that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.