NDLEA Seizes Over Two Billion Tramadol Pills

(NDLEA. Photo by Nigeria Stories)

Over two billion tramadol pills have been seized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the last 18 months as a result of intelligence-led operations carried out in cooperation with foreign partners.

During a familiarization tour to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos on Thursday, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) revealed this.

Marwa attributed the massive seizures to strengthened intelligence gathering and close cooperation with foreign counterparts, particularly law enforcement agencies in India and Pakistan.

He disclosed that within the last 18 months, the agency had seized more than two billion pills of tramadol through coordinated operations and intelligence sharing with its international partners, especially India and Pakistan.

He warned criminal networks against attempting to use Nigeria's seaports for drug tr@fficking, noting that the agency had significantly upgraded its surveillance and intelligence capabilities.

According to him, the NDLEA is working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and other security agencies under existing memoranda of understanding to ensure seamless intelligence exchange and case transfers.

Marwa called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, port operators and stakeholders within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, stressing that collective action is essential to combat drug tr@fficking and protect the nation's economy.

Describing the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Free Trade Zone as critical national assets, he said protecting the facilities from organised criminal groups requires sustained cooperation, adding that the fight against drug abuse and tr@fficking cannot be left to the NDLEA alone.

He noted that Nigeria is facing a serious drug problem, pointing out that as parents, all could see the devastating impact drug abuse is having on young people, and that addressing the challenge requires the commitment of the entire society.

Marwa reaffirmed the agency's resolve to dismantle networks involved in the cultivation, production, importation, tr@fficking and distribution of illicit substances across the country.

He referenced the recent discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State, saying the illegal facility could have produced narcotics valued at about $360 million had it remained undetected.

He also disclosed that the Federal High Court recently inspected the forest site where the laboratory was uncovered as part of the ongoing prosecution of those linked to the operation, insisting that all suspects, including foreign nationals allegedly involved in establishing the illegal factory, should face the full weight of the law.

Marwa further advised parents to remain vigilant and monitor their children for signs of substance abuse, urging them to seek professional help at the earliest opportunity.

He said that where there is suspicion that a family member is using drugs, it is important to carry out a drug test and seek help immediately, noting that early intervention is better than waiting until addiction leads to psychiatric problems or even d£ath.

He expressed confidence that the proposed amendment to the NDLEA Act would introduce tougher penalties for drug tr@ffickers and further strengthen Nigeria's campaign against illicit narcotics.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Lekki Free Zone, Mrs Adesuwa Ladoja, pledged the zone's continued partnership with the NDLEA to prevent drug-related crimes and other illegal activities.

Similarly, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Mr Wang Qiang, reaffirmed the port's commitment to supporting the agency and other security organisations, noting that China maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards illicit drugs.

In his welcome address, the Area Commander of the NDLEA Lekki Deep Sea Port Command, Jonah Achema, described the command as one of the enduring achievements of Marwa's leadership, noting that since its establishment in 2022, the command has recorded major seizures of tramadol and other illicit substances, underscoring its growing role in safeguarding Nigeria's newest seaport from drug tr@fficking.