The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two elderly men in Abia State over allegations of supplying illicit drugs to secondary school students in Umuahia.
The suspects, identified as 84-year-old Godfrey Orji and 75-year-old Godwin Obulunbiya Obiora, were apprehended in separate operations based on intelligence reports and security interventions.
According to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, operatives arrested Obiora at his patent medicine store along Club Road, Umuahia, after recovering 4.64 kilograms of suspected opioids, including tramadol and diazepam, during a search of the premises.
In a related development, Orji, a pensioner, was reportedly arrested after being caught supplying illicit substances to students of Saint Silas Secondary School, Old Umuahia. He was initially apprehended by school security personnel and subsequently handed over to the NDLEA.
Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the students allegedly involved, a 15-year-old SS2 student, claimed he obtained the drugs from the suspect for personal use and distribution among fellow students.
The NDLEA said the suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while the affected students will undergo counseling and rehabilitation.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting young people from drug abuse and dismantling networks involved in the distribution of illicit substances within and around educational institutions.
