Drug Traffickers Foiled: NDLEA Intercepts Truck Carrying 2.49 Million Pills of Tramadol Worth Over N2 Billion

In a significant blow to drug traffickers, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a truck carrying 2.49 million pills of tramadol worth over N2 billion in Gombe State. The operation, which took place on September 13 at 8:30 pm, resulted in the seizure of 30 white cartons containing 300,000 tablets of tramadol and 146 cartons of 2,190,000 capsules of tramadol.

According to Okechukwu Nkere, Commander, NDLEA, Gombe State Command, the drugs were concealed inside the truck and covered with bags of salt in an attempt to evade suspicion and possible arrest. The psychotropic substances were worth over N2 billion and were destined for Gombe State, with some intended for Borno State.

The interception was made possible due to credible intelligence, which led to the prevention of the drugs from entering markets and eventually into the hands of their intended users. Three persons have been detained in connection with the interception, and an investigation is ongoing to uncover the owner of the drugs.

The state commander commended the state government and other sister agencies for their synergy in the war against illicit drugs, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to rid the state of such drugs and tackle the menace of drug abuse. The seized drugs will be destroyed, and suspects will soon be taken to court for prosecution upon concluding investigations.

The State Commissioner of Internal Security, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Bello (retired), also commended the operatives of the agency for intercepting the drugs, describing the seizure as a "big cache." He noted that the seizure complemented the state government’s efforts to rid Gombe State of illicit drugs and tackle drug abuse.

This significant seizure is a major victory in the fight against drug trafficking and a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the NDLEA operatives involved.