The Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of a 29-year-old man in possession of 7,000 suspected Tramadol capsules.
The arrest, described as a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse, took place on Saturday along the Zaria-Kano Road in the Kwanar Dangora area.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday in Kano. According to him, the suspect was apprehended by NDLEA operatives attached to the Kiru Area Command while travelling from Lagos with a concealed cache of Tramadol.
Muhammad-Maigatari explained that the capsules, weighing about 4.1 kilograms, were ingeniously hidden inside a 20-litre oil jerrycan. He described the operation as an example of the NDLEA’s professionalism and expertise in uncovering concealed contraband.
“This arrest underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to disrupting the supply chain of illicit substances and ensuring community safety,” Muhammad-Maigatari stated.
The state NDLEA Commander, Mr. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, commended the operatives for their diligence and swift action in intercepting the drugs before they could be distributed.
He also praised the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, retired Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa, for his constant support and guidance in strengthening anti-drug enforcement efforts across the country.
“The NDLEA in Kano remains resolute in its mission to rid the state of illicit substances and appreciates the collaboration and support of the public in achieving this goal,” Idris-Ahmad noted.
The arrest comes amid growing concerns over the increasing abuse of prescription medications, particularly opioids such as Tramadol, across Nigeria. Health experts warn that Tramadol abuse has become a public health crisis, with devastating consequences on young people, productivity, and security.
Kano State, with its large population and strategic location as a commercial hub, has been identified as one of the hotspots for the trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs. The NDLEA has intensified surveillance and enforcement operations across highways, border communities, and urban centers to tackle the menace.
The agency has repeatedly urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that could aid in curbing drug trafficking. According to officials, community collaboration plays a critical role in sustaining progress in the fight against narcotics.
Observers say the latest interception demonstrates the NDLEA’s capacity to detect sophisticated concealment methods used by traffickers to evade security checks. By successfully uncovering the capsules hidden in an oil jerrycan, the agency has sent a clear message that drug peddlers will not go undetected, no matter their tactics.
As the NDLEA continues its war against drug abuse, stakeholders have called for stronger partnerships with healthcare institutions, schools, and community leaders to address not only the supply but also the demand for illicit substances.
The suspect remains in NDLEA custody, while investigations continue to determine the network behind the trafficking operation.
This development further reinforces the NDLEA’s resolve to protect communities from the dangers of drug abuse and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
