NDLEA seizes 748kg tramadol, other drugs on Benin-Lagos Road

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Monday said it intercepted controlled pharmaceutical drugs, including tramadol weighing 748.02kg, on the Benin-Lagos Expressway.

The state NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement while presenting the latest operational breakthrough to journalists in Benin City.

He said, “On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the command’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking culminated in the interception of a Mercedes-Benz truck branded with the Nigeria Labour Congress insignia and marked 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.

“Two suspected members of the drug cartel, Osagie Igbinibo, 43, and Omijie Malik, 44, were also apprehended in connection with the seizure.

“The intercepted truck was transporting a total of 748.02kg of controlled substances.

“The seizure included 23 cartons of tramadol (100mg) comprising 440,000 capsules (264kg); 40 cartons of tramadol (50mg), containing 600,000 capsules (180kg); seven cartons of Rohypnol containing 84,000 tablets (25.2kg); 19 cartons of diazepam injection containing 76,000 ampoules (242.82kg), and six cartons of bromazepam containing 72,000 tablets (36kg), totalling 748.02kg.”

Ofoyeju said the truck was intercepted during a routine motorised patrol, underscoring the commitment of the NDLEA to disrupting drug trafficking networks.

The commander expressed concern over the potential impact of such drug shipments on communities.

“The trafficking of large volumes of controlled drugs, particularly potent opioids like tramadol, poses a threat to our youth and society at large. These substances are linked to addiction, health emergencies and fatalities.

“The NDLEA remains vigilant in its mission to eradicate drug abuse, and traffickers must understand that the law will take its course,” he said.

He added that the suspects are currently in custody and that investigations are ongoing, noting that they would be charged in court soon.

He also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities related to drug trafficking and abuse, while pledging collaboration with stakeholders, including community leaders, families and individuals.

Ofoyeju noted that the operation was carried out in line with directives from the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), to take proactive measures against inter-state drug trafficking across the country.
(PUNCH)