The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 85-year-old woman, Grace Ehimeka, popularly known as Mama Grace, after allegedly recovering 15 bags of cannabis weighing 179 kilogrammes from her in Edo State.

The Edo State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that the elderly woman was arrested alongside five other suspected drug traffickers during intelligence-led operations across communities in Edo and neighbouring areas.

The operations resulted in the seizure of 407.39 kilogrammes of cannabis, 546 grammes of a potent cannabis strain known as loud, 114 grammes of tramadol, four grammes of diazepam and three grammes of Swinol.

The other 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/Irue and Auchi following intelligence reports.

Ofoyeju said the agency would not overlook alleged criminal activities because of a suspect’s age, stressing that the command remained determined to combat illicit drug trafficking across the state.

He disclosed that Ehimeka was arrested at her residence in Warake community on October 16, 2026.

According to the commander, the woman admitted ownership of the seized drugs in her statement to investigators and appealed for forgiveness.

Ehimeka reportedly told investigators that she had been selling cannabis for more than two years to support herself following the death of her husband. She also acknowledged that members of her family had repeatedly advised her to stop the business.

She pleaded with the operatives to give her another opportunity, promising not to return to the alleged activity.

Ofoyeju further explained that Garba was arrested in Ivbiaro on October 15 with 5.85 kilogrammes of cannabis, while Braimoh was apprehended in the same community with 100 grammes of the substance.

Mubid was arrested in Warake with two kilogrammes of cannabis, 309 grammes of cannabis seeds, 114 grammes of loud and 135 grammes of assorted pharmaceutical drugs, including tramadol, Swinol and diazepam.

Similarly, Aigberadion was arrested in Ewe/Irue, within Owan East Local Government Area, on October 16 with 220.8 kilogrammes of cannabis.

Okoro was also apprehended in Auchi, with 237 grammes of loud recovered during the operation.

The commander said the arrests and seizures formed part of the agency’s intensified campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

He urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information that could help security operatives identify drug trafficking networks and prevent the circulation of illicit substances.

The agency reiterated its commitment to intelligence-driven enforcement operations aimed at disrupting drug distribution and protecting communities from the harmful effects of substance abuse.