NDLEA intercepts 748kg of Tramadol, arrests suspects in Edo

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a large consignment of controlled pharmaceutical drugs, including tramadol, in a major operation along the Benin–Lagos Expressway.

This interception is part of a nationwide crackdown on inter-state drug trafficking.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City on Monday, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the NDLEA State Commander, described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking. The seizure was part of an order from the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), urging commands across the country to heighten their vigilance against illicit drugs moving across state borders.

According to Ofoyeju, the interception occurred on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during a routine patrol. Operatives flagged down a Mercedes-Benz truck, which bore the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) insignia and was registered under FCT NLC 146 FC. Upon inspection, the truck was found to be transporting 95 cartons of psychotropic substances from Lagos to Onitsha, Anambra State.

The consignment contained a total of 748.02 kilograms of controlled substances, including 1,196,000 capsules and tablets. The seizure included 23 cartons of tramadol (100mg) with 440,000 capsules (264kg), 40 cartons of tramadol (50mg) containing 600,000 capsules (180kg), seven cartons of Rohypnol (84,000 tablets weighing 25.2kg), 19 cartons of diazepam injections (76,000 ampoules weighing 242.82kg), and six cartons of bromazepam (72,000 tablets weighing 36kg).

Two suspects, Osagie Igbinibo, 43, and Omijie Malik, 44, were arrested in connection with the illegal shipment. The NDLEA commander expressed concerns about the growing trafficking of potent opioids and other controlled substances, emphasizing their dangerous impact on public health, especially among young people.

“The trafficking of high volumes of controlled drugs, particularly opioids like tramadol, poses a serious threat to society. These substances are linked to addiction, health complications, and fatalities,” Ofoyeju said. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fighting drug abuse and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing. Upon completion, they will be charged in court. Ofoyeju also urged the public to continue supporting the NDLEA’s efforts by providing credible information on drug-related activities, emphasizing that community collaboration is essential to combating the menace.