80-Year-Old Woman Arrested as NDLEA Uncovers Drugs Hidden in Moimoi Sachets and Canned Foods In a deeply unsettling twist to Nigeria’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking, an 80-year-old woman has been arrested in Calabar, Cross River State, for her alleged involvement in a sophisticated drug syndicate. The suspect, Mrs. Grace Ekpeme, was apprehended on Saturday, July 26, 2025, during a targeted raid carried out by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Acting on credible intelligence, agents stormed her residence on Edet-Nsa Street, Base Site, Calabar South, uncovering a disturbing cache of illegal substances masked under the guise of everyday food products. Drugs Hidden in Plain Sight: Moimoi Sachets and Canned Goods During the operation, officers discovered over three kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, along with a variety of imported narcotics. What alarmed investigators most was the method of concealment: dangerous drugs disguised as moimoi sachets and canned foods, designed to bypass routine inspections. Among the substances seized were: Colorado – a synthetic, dangerously psychoactive form of cannabis. Canadian Loud – a premium-grade, high-potency narcotic trafficked from abroad. According to NDLEA sources, these packaging tactics are part of a growing trend among traffickers who exploit trust in familiar consumer goods to move contraband across borders and communities undetected. NDLEA: “No One Is Above the Law” Following the arrest, an NDLEA spokesperson reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on drug-related offenses, stressing that age will not serve as a shield for criminal activity. “This operation reflects our unwavering resolve to combat drug trafficking, regardless of the age, gender, or social status of those involved. The law applies to all,” the agency stated. Mrs. Ekpeme is currently in custody and is expected to be formally charged upon conclusion of the ongoing investigation. She will likely face trial alongside other individuals arrested during the coordinated operation. A Grim Reminder in an Escalating War This arrest adds another chapter to a growing list of high-profile drug busts as the NDLEA intensifies efforts to dismantle criminal networks thriving under the radar. The case has shocked many, not only because of the suspect’s age but also the cunning methods used to smuggle deadly substances into Nigerian communities. For many, the story of Grace Ekpeme is both tragic and troubling a stark reminder of how far the tentacles of drug trafficking have reached, ensnaring individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and vulnerabilities. A Call to Stay Vigilant The NDLEA continues to urge the public to be alert and proactive. Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activities promptly and to support the collective fight against the spread of narcotics, which threaten the very fabric of society. In a world where criminals now hide drugs in what we eat, trust must be earned, not assumed. And justice, the agency insists, must be blind not to truth, but to age.

President William Ruto recently held a secret night meeting with key Mt. Kenya leaders to secure their support ahead of the 2027 elections. In the meeting, he promised development projects, government positions, and warned against betrayal or alliances with the opposition. The meeting comes amid rising political tension in the region, especially after former President Uhuru Kenyatta hinted at a political comeback. The leaked details have sparked debate, with some praising Ruto’s move and others calling it a sign of panic. The political battle for Mt. Kenya is now seen as crucial for the 2027 race.