Over a year after being convicted for drug-related offences, an 83-year-old woman, Uloma Uchechi Sunday, has been arrested again by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for alleged involvement in the illicit drug trade in Abia State.
The octogenarian was arrested on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at her residence in Ite-Uzo, Umuaguma, Obingwa Local Government Area, with quantities of methamphetamine and Colorado, a synthetic cannabis substance, allegedly concealed around her waist with a wrapper.
The agency in a statement by the Director, Media Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters Femi Babafemi , says her latest arrest followed credible intelligence that she was operating a drug joint reportedly frequented by criminal elements accused of terrorising the community.
The statement added that her latest encounter with the agency comes after her first arrest on May 17, 2025, when she was apprehended alongside her 32-year-old daughter, Chisom Uchechi, at their residence in the same community.
During that operation, NDLEA operatives recovered 50 grammes of methamphetamine, 522 grammes of skunk, 260 grammes of fresh cannabis leaves and 12 grammes of tramadol.
The mother and daughter reportedly pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or an option of a 200,000-naira fine. Both paid the fines and were released.
However, the agency alleges that Uloma returned to the illicit drug trade after her release and subsequently established a drug joint at her residence.
The NDLEA says her re-arrest forms part of its ongoing efforts to dismantle drug distribution networks and tackle locations allegedly used for illicit drug activities.
The latest arrest brings renewed attention to the challenge of preventing repeat drug-related offences and sustaining enforcement efforts against drug trafficking in local communities.