NDLEA Intercepts 748kg of Tramadol, Arrests Suspects in Edo
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a massive consignment of controlled pharmaceutical drugs, including tramadol, along the Benin–Lagos Expressway, in a major crackdown on inter-state drug trafficking. State Commander of the agency, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists in Benin City, describing the […]
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a massive consignment of controlled pharmaceutical drugs, including tramadol, along the Benin–Lagos Expressway, in a major crackdown on inter-state drug trafficking.
State Commander of the agency, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists in Benin City, describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in ongoing enforcement efforts.
According to him, the seizure followed a directive from the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), mandating commands nationwide to intensify proactive strategies against the movement of illicit drugs across state lines.
Ofoyeju revealed that the interception occurred on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during a routine patrol.
- Four Arrested as Police Recover Stolen Vehicles in Rivers
- Gov Yusuf summons those behind street underwear display
Operatives flagged down a Mercedes-Benz truck bearing the insignia of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and registration number FCT NLC 146 FC.
Upon inspection, the vehicle was discovered to be conveying 95 cartons of psychotropic substances from Lagos to Onitsha, Anambra State.
The consignment comprised a total of 1,196,000 capsules and tablets, weighing 748.02 kilograms.
A breakdown of the seizure showed 23 cartons of tramadol (100mg) containing 440,000 capsules (264kg), 40 cartons of tramadol (50mg) with 600,000 capsules (180kg), seven cartons of Rohypnol (84,000 tablets weighing 25.2kg), 19 cartons of diazepam injections (76,000 ampoules weighing 242.82kg), and six cartons of bromazepam (72,000 tablets weighing 36kg).
Two suspects, identified as Osagie Igbinibo, 43, and Omijie Malik, 44, were arrested in connection with the illegal shipment.
Ofoyeju expressed concern over the increasing trafficking of potent opioids and other controlled substances, warning of their devastating impact on public health, particularly among young people.
“The trafficking of high volumes of controlled drugs, especially opioids like tramadol, poses a serious threat to society. These substances are associated with addiction, health complications, and fatalities. The NDLEA remains resolute in its mission to curb drug abuse and bring perpetrators to justice,” he said.
He added that the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The NDLEA commander also called on members of the public to support the agency’s efforts by providing credible information on drug-related activities, noting that collaboration with communities remains key to combating the menace.