Monday, April 27, 2026 - 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 NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed
this in a statement while presenting the latest operational breakthrough to
journalists in Benin.
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
bearing the registration number Federal Capital Territory 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,
aged 43, and Omijie Malik, aged 44, were also apprehended in connection with
the seizure.
“The intercepted truck was found to be transporting a total
of 748.02 kilograms of controlled substances.
“The seizure included 23 cartons of tramadol (100 mg),
comprising 440,000 capsules (264 kg); tramadol (50 mg), 40 cartons containing
600,000 capsules (180 kg); Rohypnol, 7 cartons containing 84,000 tablets (25.2
kg); diazepam injection, 19 cartons containing 76,000 ampoules (242.82 kg); and
bromazepam, 6 cartons containing 72,000 tablets (36 kg), totalling 748.02
kilogrammes.”
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 high 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 will be charged in court soon.
He also encouraged members of the public to report any
suspicious activities related to drug trafficking and use, 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 in preventing inter-state drug
trafficking across the country.
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