The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted a large consignment of controlled pharmaceutical drugs, including tramadol weighing 748.02 kilograms, along the Benin-Lagos Expressway.
The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Monday while presenting the agency’s latest operational breakthrough to journalists in Benin City.
According to him, the seizure was made on April 23 during a routine patrol when operatives intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck branded with the Nigeria Labour Congress insignia and bearing registration number FCT NLC 146 FC.
“The truck was found carrying 95 cartons containing 1.196 million capsules and tablets of psychotropic substances en route from Lagos to Onitsha, Anambra State,” Ofoyeju said.
He added that two suspects, identified as Osagie Igbinibo, 43, and Omijie Malik, 44, were arrested in connection with the illegal consignment.
A breakdown of the seizure showed that it included 23 cartons of tramadol (100mg) containing 440,000 capsules weighing 264kg; 40 cartons of tramadol (50mg) with 600,000 capsules weighing 180kg; seven cartons of Rohypnol containing 84,000 tablets (25.2kg); 19 cartons of diazepam injections with 76,000 ampoules (242.82kg); and six cartons of bromazepam comprising 72,000 tablets (36kg).
Ofoyeju described the operation as part of ongoing efforts by the agency to disrupt drug trafficking networks across the country, noting that the interception underscores the effectiveness of routine patrols.
He expressed concern over the dangers posed by the circulation of such drugs, particularly among young people.
“The trafficking of high volumes of controlled drugs, especially opioids like tramadol, poses a serious threat to our youth and society. These substances are linked to addiction, health emergencies, and fatalities,” he said.
The commander assured that the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations.
He also urged members of the public to support the agency by providing credible information on drug-related activities, stressing that collective action is key to combating drug abuse and trafficking.
Ofoyeju noted that the operation aligns with directives from the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), to intensify efforts in curbing inter-state drug trafficking and safeguarding communities across Nigeria.