NDLEA Hands Over Intercepted 60 Cartons of Pregabalin to NAFDAC in Kano
The Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has handed over 450,000 intercepted Pregabalin capsules to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for forensic and regulatory analysis.
Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant and pain-relief medication, has in recent years emerged as one of the most widely abused prescription drugs in Nigeria. Originally prescribed for epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety disorders, it is now trafficked illegally and misused for its sedative and euphoric effects. Its abuse has been linked to addiction, mental health crises, and social unrest, especially among young people in northern Nigeria.
The latest consignment was intercepted by an NDLEA patrol team along the Kano–Hadejia road. The 450,000 pills were concealed inside a van and packed in 60 cartons.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Maigatari, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday.
“The seized items were taken to the NDLEA office for investigation, and no legitimate ownership or documentation was presented for the consignment,” he said.
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Acting on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NDLEA and NAFDAC on November 24, 2024, the Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), directed the immediate transfer of the drugs to NAFDAC for further testing and determination of their regulatory status.
The NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, led by ACGN A.I. Ahmad, reaffirmed its commitment to inter-agency collaboration and synchronised operations in line with the agency’s broader drug-control strategy.
Receiving the items, the NAFDAC State Coordinator expressed appreciation to the NDLEA for adhering to the MoU and pledged continued partnership in subsequent investigations and regulatory actions.
“This joint action underscores the determination of both agencies to disrupt the illicit distribution of controlled pharmaceuticals and safeguard public health and safety,” Maigatari added.
The NDLEA has repeatedly raised concerns over the trafficking of controlled medicines, including Pregabalin, Tramadol, and Codeine, warning that their diversion from legitimate medical use into illicit markets poses serious threats to public health and national security.
In response, the agency has intensified surveillance on major transit routes notorious for drug trafficking. The latest interception and transfer of Pregabalin capsules to NAFDAC mark a practical step in enforcing the MoU aimed at closing loopholes exploited by traffickers to disguise illicit shipments as legitimate pharmaceutical consignments.
By PRNigeria
