NDLEA seized over two billion tramadol pills in 18 months – Marwa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has revealed that it confiscated more than two billion pills of tramadol over the past 18 months through intelligence-led operations conducted in collaboration with international partners.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed this on Thursday during a familiarisation visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone and Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.

Marwa attributed the massive seizures to strengthened intelligence gathering and close cooperation with foreign counterparts, particularly law enforcement agencies in India and Pakistan.

“Within the last 18 months, we have seized more than two billion pills of tramadol through coordinated operations and intelligence sharing with our international partners, especially in India and Pakistan,” he said.

He cautioned criminal networks against attempting to use Nigeria’s seaports for drug trafficking, noting that the agency had significantly upgraded its surveillance and intelligence capabilities.

According to him, the NDLEA is working in close partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and other security agencies under existing memoranda of understanding to facilitate seamless intelligence exchange and case transfers.

Marwa called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, port operators and stakeholders within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, stressing that collective action is essential to combat drug trafficking and protect the nation’s economy.

Describing the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Free Trade Zone as critical national assets, he said safeguarding the facilities from organised criminal groups requires sustained cooperation.

“The fight against drug abuse and trafficking cannot be left to the NDLEA alone,” he said.

“Nigeria is facing a serious drug problem. We are all parents, and we can see the devastating impact drug abuse is having on our young people. Addressing this challenge requires the commitment of the entire society.”

Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to dismantle networks involved in the cultivation, production, importation, trafficking and distribution of illicit substances across the country.

He referenced the recent discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State, saying the illegal facility could have produced narcotics valued at about $360 million if it had remained undetected.

The NDLEA chairman also disclosed that the Federal High Court recently inspected the forest site where the laboratory was uncovered as part of the ongoing prosecution of those linked to the operation.

He maintained that all suspects, including foreign nationals allegedly involved in establishing the illegal factory, should be made to face the full weight of the law.

Marwa further advised parents to remain vigilant and monitor their children for signs of substance abuse, urging them to seek professional help at the earliest opportunity.

“If there is any suspicion that a family member is using drugs, it is important to conduct a drug test and seek help immediately. Early intervention is better than waiting until addiction leads to psychiatric problems or even death,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the proposed amendment to the NDLEA Act would introduce tougher penalties for drug traffickers and further strengthen Nigeria’s campaign against illicit narcotics.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Lekki Free Zone, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, pledged the zone’s continued partnership with the NDLEA to prevent drug-related crimes and other illegal activities.

Similarly, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Mr. Wang Qiang, reaffirmed the port’s commitment to supporting the agency and other security organisations, noting that China maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards illicit drugs.

In his welcome address, the Area Commander of the NDLEA Lekki Deep Sea Port Command, Jonah Achema, described the command as one of the enduring achievements of Marwa’s leadership.

He noted that since its establishment in 2022, the command has recorded major seizures of tramadol and other illicit substances, underscoring its growing role in safeguarding Nigeria’s newest seaport from drug trafficking.

NDLEA seized over two billion tramadol pills in 18 months – Marwa