Customs busts Tramadol ring, intercepts 248,500 tablets

The Nigeria Customs Service says it has seized 248,500 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (250mg) valued at about N273.35 million during an anti-smuggling operation in Yobe.

The interception was announced on Monday by the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone D, Bauchi, Abdullahi Ka’ila, during a press briefing.

Ka’ila said the success followed intelligence reports about the movement of a large consignment of the controlled drug through hidden routes in Gumsi Village in Nguru Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, officers mounted a covert operation after receiving the tip-off and tracked the consignment through surveillance.

“Following the intelligence, a covert operation was meticulously planned involving surveillance teams. During the operation, officers recovered 248,500 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (250mg), a powerful controlled substance with an approximate street value of N273,350,000,” he said.

He explained that the seizure had disrupted a suspected drug trafficking network believed to be part of a wider cross-border operation extending beyond Nigeria.

Ka’ila added that the suspect abandoned the consignment and escaped into the bush after spotting approaching Customs patrol vehicles.

The controller noted that removing the drugs from circulation would help curb the growing abuse of tramadol, particularly among young people and students.

“By intercepting these consignments, the Nigeria Customs Service enhances national security, reduces funding available to organised crime syndicates, and demonstrates the capacity to combat transnational illegal activities,” he stated.

He also said the seizure would help prevent revenue losses linked to illegal importation while protecting legitimate pharmaceutical operators from unfair competition and counterfeit medicines.

Ka’ila said Customs would continue working closely with agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to tackle drug trafficking.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for providing leadership and operational support to the unit.

The controller urged communities, traditional leaders and security agencies to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as authorities intensify the fight against drug trafficking across the country.