PICTORIAL: NAFDAC Seals Explosive Chemical Warehouse, Destroys N91m Worth Of Tramadol In Kano

The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration Control (NAFDAC) has uncover and sealed a warehouse in Kwakwachi area of Fagge local government area of Kano State for packaging chemicals used as ingredients in producing explosives.

NAFDAC Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said the chemicals packed in 20 and 30 litres jerry cans consist of 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid and 28,560 litres of nitric acid, totaling 88,560 litres.

The DG made this known on Wednesday while briefing newsmen about the discovery.

According to Prof Adeyeye, the chemicals were discovered in the area following intelligence by officers of the anti-narcotic agency.

Adeyeye, represented by the Agency’s Director Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, said the chemicals are control substances requiring permits and clearance from the office of the National Security Adviser before handling.

She said its operations by an individual portends danger to the state and country as a whole, noting that the producer does not have the licence to handle, nor listed as a chemical marketer.

“What we see here can destroy the whole of Kano and being found in the hand of somebody whom we cannot trace nor identify is something that everyone should be interested in,” she stated.

She however noted that one suspect in charge of managing the facility has been arrested and being interrogated.

Earlier, the agency also destroyed 491,000 tablets of Tramadol 225mg with duty value put at N91million.

The destruction was carried out using an incinerator at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano, with witnesses from officers of the Nigerian Customs Service and officials of the hospital.

Speaking at the event, representative of the DG, noted that the drugs were handed over to the agency after they were intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Command, headed by Comptroller Abubakar Zurmi, who intercepted the consignment in an attempt to smuggle it into the country from Niger republic.

The NAFDAC boss added that the suspects abandoned the consignment after they were overwhelmed by the customs officers.

She added that the successful operation demonstrated an excellent inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnership aimed at strengthening control measures and curbing the menace of illicit drug trade.

Adeyeye however restated the commitment of the agency in strengthening partnership and safeguarding the health of all Nigerians, urging anyone with relevant information to report to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate a;ction.