A Nigerian woman residing in the United Kingdom, identified as @shakels95, has recounted how she was unexpectedly arrested after using the term “drugs” instead of “medications” during a phone conversation at a pharmacy.
According to her, she had gone to purchase medicine for her husband when she casually told him over the phone, “I got the drugs, I got two drugs for you. When you use it, you are going to be strong.”
Unbeknownst to her, people nearby misinterpreted her words, assuming she was referring to illegal substances. Moments later, the police arrived, detained her, and took her into custody.
In a TikTok video narrating the ordeal, she said, “I wasn’t bothered because I felt I didn’t do anything wrong. Before I knew it, the police came and said they heard there were drugs. I explained, showing them that I was referring to Ibuprofen for my husband.”
Despite her explanation, the police detained her at the station and even searched her home before eventually releasing her.
The incident highlights the potential for cultural misunderstandings when using certain words in different regions.
