Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), arrested Adaobi Nweke, her mother, and four family members for allegedly possessing cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis, and heroin.
A total of N578,400 was also collected from the accused, who were described as ‘a second generation family of drug dealers.’
Adaobi, 36, was claimed to have assumed control of the drug group following the death of her father, Jonathan Nweke.
On February 14, NDLEA officers arrested the suspects at 23 Arochukwu Street, Umuahia, Abia State, as part of a combined operation with Abia State Homeland Security.
The suspects include Mrs. Ngozi Nweke, 65; Adaobi’s friend, Emeka Nkemefola, 36; and the herbalist to Mrs. Nweke, Dike Okpara, 43.
Others include Adaobi’s nephew, Chukwudi Abel, 33; Blessing Jonathan, 22, who is claimed to be a salesgirl; and Amarachi Paul, 18, a family member.
Okpara, a herbalist, was alleged to have been hired to perform rituals and other spiritual acts to ensure that the family members were not caught by security agents.
The NDLEA‘s report reads, “On the 14th of February 2024, at about 23.00 hours, officers of Umuahia Area Command, in conjunction with Abia State Homeland Security, carried out joint operations at 23, Arochukwu Street, Umuahia, which culminated in the arrest of One Adaobi Nweke’ F’, 36 years old, with assorted drugs.
“Adaobi Nweke was arrested alongside her other siblings with the following exhibits: Loud 450g; cocaine 151.5g; metamphetamine 129.9g; precursor chemical 400g; cannabis sativa 500g; heroin 38g; and N578,400 only.”