NDLEA Seizes N7bn Tramadol at Lagos Port, Arrests 85-Year-Old Woman in Edo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 8,725 kilogrammes of powdered tramadol valued at more than N6.98 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
The agency also arrested several suspects, including an 85-year-old woman, during separate anti-drug operations across multiple states.
According to the NDLEA, the tramadol shipment, imported from India and declared as maize starch, was discovered at the APM terminals in Apapa during a joint examination involving the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies.
A laboratory test confirmed that the substance was tramadol hydrochloride powder. The consignment comprised 349 bags weighing a total of 8,725 kilogrammes.
In a separate operation in Edo State, NDLEA operatives arrested 85-year-old Grace Ehimeka, who was allegedly found with 179 kilogrammes of cannabis in Warake, Owan East Local Government Area.
Five other suspects were also arrested during raids in Warake, Ivhiaro and Ewe/Irue communities between October 15 and 16.
The agency said its operations also led to the interception of cannabis concealed in a gallon of palm oil at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State. The consignment was allegedly being taken to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, through Addis Ababa.
The NDLEA said officers recovered 511.75 grammes of cannabis from the container and subsequently arrested a man identified as the passenger’s cousin.
At the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, operatives also seized 55 kilogrammes of cannabis valued at N165 million, allegedly concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle shipped in a 40-foot container.
Other operations in Lagos led to the recovery of diazepam injections, Molly tablets and thousands of tramadol pills, while additional seizures were recorded in Ondo, Bauchi and Kano states.
In Ondo, the agency said operatives destroyed a cannabis farm spanning three hectares and arrested five suspects. It also reported recovering cannabis and related exhibits from separate operations in the state.
The NDLEA said the operations were conducted between October 12 and 17 as part of its efforts to curb drug trafficking and the distribution of illicit substances.
The agency has not indicated that the suspects have been convicted of the alleged offences.
