The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Edo State said Monday it intercepted a truck carrying 748 kilograms of controlled pharmaceutical drugs, including tramadol, along the Benin\u2013Lagos Expressway. Two suspects were arrested in what officials described as a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NDLEA Edo State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju told reporters in Benin that the truck, branded with Nigeria Labour Congress insignia, was stopped during routine patrols. Inside, officers found cartons of tramadol, rohypnol, diazepam injections and bromazepam tablets. The suspects, identified as Osagie Igbinibo, 43, and Omijie Malik, 44, were taken into custody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nigeria has long struggled with the abuse of tramadol and other opioids, particularly among young people. The NDLEA has repeatedly warned that these substances are linked to addiction, health emergencies and fatalities. The agency\u2019s chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), has directed state commands to intensify patrols and disrupt trafficking networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The seizure adds to a string of recent busts. In January, NDLEA intercepted 1.5 tons of illicit drugs in Lagos, while in 2023, authorities uncovered warehouses in Kano stocked with millions of tramadol capsules. In 2022, the agency reported seizing 13 tons of illicit drugs nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community advocates say the latest case highlights the human toll of drug abuse, which has been linked to rising mental health crises, violent behavior and sudden deaths among young Nigerians. Officials have urged residents to report suspicious activities, stressing that vigilance is vital in curbing trafficking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NDLEA said the suspects will face prosecution, and the agency vowed to continue its crackdown on traffickers moving large consignments across Nigeria\u2019s highways.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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