The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recorded another breakthrough in the war against illicit drugs as its operatives have arrested a wanted 59-year-old drug baroness, Bridget Oghenekevve Emeka (aka Mama).
The drug baroness was described as the backbone of a major cartel behind the distribution of drugs in Warri, Delta State and adjourning states.
According to a release by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, Bridget Emeka was at her palatial mansion where she cooks and distributes crack cocaine, methamphetamine and other illicit substances.
The NDLEA head of media further stated that nine of her staff and associates were arrested along with her in coordinated simultaneous operations at her expansive residence and drug bunks where she accommodates drug users and sells illicit substances to them and others in parts of Warri.
Various quantities of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, molly and loud were seized from her home and drug bunks.
Also recovered from her were a pump action gun, 15 cartridges, documents, two cars, mobile phones, drug paraphernalia such as sodium bicarbonate and polythene wrappings for further investigation.
“While five of her staff that cook, cut, package and distribute the drugs were found in her house located at Favour Street, Otukutu, Effurun Warri, four of her associates were equally arrested at her drug bunks in other parts of the town during the raids by Strike Force officers of NDLEA supported by the military.
“The drug baroness has been under surveillance for weeks after her identification as a major distributor of illicit drugs in the South-South state. Bridget cooks cocaine into crack cocaine for local distribution and consumption in drug joints.
“Some of the paraphernalia for making crack recovered from her house include sodium bicarbonate, which is the main adulterant and recipe for making crack cocaine, as well as transparent nylon used in wrapping the finished product.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) commended the officers and men involved in all the processes leading to the eventual execution of the operation plan.
The released added that the NDLEA boss appreciated officers and men of the Armed Forces for their unwavering support for the NDLEA.