Customs Intercepts N273m Worth of Tramadol in Yobe, Foils Major Drug Trafficking Operation
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 248,500 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (250mg), a controlled pharmaceutical substance estimated to be worth N273.35 million, in Yobe State, disrupting what authorities described as a major drug trafficking operation.
The seizure was announced on Monday by the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone D, Bauchi, Abdullahi Ka’ila, during a press briefing.
Ka’ila explained that the interception followed credible intelligence reports indicating the movement of a large consignment of illicit tramadol through covert routes in Gumsi Village, Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
According to him, the operation was carried out after meticulous intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance, and collaboration with other security agencies.
“Acting on the intelligence received, our officers conducted a well-coordinated covert operation in the area. During the exercise, 248,500 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (250mg), a powerful controlled substance with an estimated street value of N273,350,000, were recovered,” he said.
The Customs boss revealed that the suspect transporting the consignment abandoned the drugs and fled into nearby bushes upon sighting patrol vehicles deployed by the service.
Ka’ila noted that the successful operation disrupted a major syndicate involved in the illegal trafficking of tramadol, which is believed to have operational links beyond Nigeria to neighbouring countries and international markets.
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He said the seizure would significantly contribute to efforts aimed at curbing drug abuse, particularly among vulnerable groups such as youths and students, by limiting the availability of illicit tramadol in circulation.
“By intercepting these consignments, the Nigeria Customs Service is strengthening national security, reducing the financial capacity of organised criminal networks, and demonstrating its readiness to combat transnational illegal activities,” he stated.
The controller also stressed that the operation would help prevent significant revenue losses resulting from illegal imports while safeguarding legitimate pharmaceutical businesses from unfair competition and the proliferation of counterfeit products.
Ka’ila assured that the service would continue to intensify cooperation with other law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in tackling drug trafficking across the country.
He added that the Customs Service would also strengthen public sensitisation campaigns to encourage communities to report suspicious movements and activities linked to illicit drug trade.
The FOU controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and the management of the service for their continued leadership and support to officers and personnel in carrying out their duties.
He described the seizure as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking and emphasised the importance of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration in addressing the menace.
Ka’ila further called on community leaders, security agencies, and the general public to remain vigilant and support ongoing efforts to eliminate drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
By PRNigeria
