NDLEA intercepts 748kg of illicit drugs in Edo
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has intercepted 748.02 kilograms of tramadol and other illicit drugs in the state. The agency also disclosed that two suspected members of the drug cartel, identified as Osagie Igbinibo, 43, and Omijie Malik, 44, have been apprehended in connection with the […]
Suspects allegedly arrested with drugs in Benin City, Edo State
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has intercepted 748.02 kilograms of tramadol and other illicit drugs in the state.
The agency also disclosed that two suspected members of the drug cartel, identified as Osagie Igbinibo, 43, and Omijie Malik, 44, have been apprehended in connection with the seized drugs.
Briefing journalists in Benin City, the NDLEA Commander in the state, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the drug was intercepted on the Benin-Lagos Expressway on April 23, 2026.
He said 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 carrying 95 cartons containing one million, one hundred and ninety-six thousand (1,196,000) capsules and tablets of psychotropic substances en route from Lagos to Onitsha, Anambra State.
“The intercepted truck was found to be transporting a total of 748.02 kilograms of controlled substances. “
“The seized drugs included 23 cartons of tramadol 100 mg and 440,000 capsules (264 kg). Tramadol 50 mg, 40 cartons, 600,000 capsules (180 kg); Rohypnol, seven cartons, 84,000 tablets (25.2 kg); diazepam injection,19 cartons, 76,000 ampoules (242.82 kg); bromazepam, 6 cartons, 72,000 tablets (36 kg), totalling 748.2 kilogrammes,” Ofoyeju said.
Ofoyeju explained that the truck was intercepted during a routine motorised patrol by officials of the NDLEA on the road.
According to him, the trafficking of high volumes of controlled drugs, particularly potent opioids like tramadol, poses a dire threat to our youth and society at large.
He said the suspects are currently in custody and would be charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed.
He encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking and usage, pledging collaboration with stakeholders, including community leaders, families, and individuals.