The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 28-year-old female student of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, for allegedly selling illicit drugs from a supermarket in Edo State.
Miss Esther Abumere, a 300-level student hailing from Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government Area, was apprehended on June 19, 2025, during an operation at a supermarket in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyefu, disclosed this information during a press briefing held on Monday as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Benin City.
Drugs Recovered from Supermarket
According to Ofoyefu, the agency recovered various illicit substances from the supermarket, including Colorado, Canadian loud, tramadol, swinol, rohyphnol, and molly. The establishment has since been sealed off.
"This is a positive development in a university environment with a teeming youth population," the commander stated, adding that the arrest serves as "a strong warning to drug barons notwithstanding the disguise, assuring that they would be smoked out."
Student Claims Financial Pressure
During questioning, the suspect reportedly told investigators that she ventured into selling illicit drugs to offset a loan she had collected from a microfinance bank. She confirmed being arrested at approximately 5:00 pm inside the supermarket by NDLEA operatives.
The NDLEA commander called for public collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking, urging citizens to provide credible information on drug-related activities to the agency. He also commended the efforts of the command's personnel for their commitment and bravery in achieving recent successes.
This arrest highlights ongoing concerns about drug distribution networks operating within educational institutions and their surrounding communities in Nigeria.
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