Nigeria Customs Intercepts 248,500 Tramadol Tablets Worth N273m In Yobe

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 248,500 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride worth about N273.4 million during an intelligence-led anti-smuggling operation in Yobe State.

The seizure was disclosed on Monday by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), quoting the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’, Bauchi, Abdullahi Ka’ila, who addressed journalists at a press conference in Bauchi.

Ka’ila explained that the illicit drugs were intercepted after operatives received credible intelligence indicating that a large consignment of Tramadol was being transported through hidden routes in Gumsi Village, located in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.

According to him, surveillance teams from the unit were swiftly deployed to the area and carried out a coordinated operation that resulted in the recovery of the consignment.

He noted that the action forms part of ongoing efforts by the customs service to combat illegal drug trafficking and protect public health.

“The consignment has an estimated street value of N273,350,000. The operation disrupted a major trafficking network believed to have connections beyond Nigeria into neighbouring countries and international markets,” he said.

Ka’ila explained that Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic meant strictly for medical use under regulated conditions but has increasingly been abused, particularly by young people.

He warned that the illegal importation, sale, or possession of the drug outside approved regulatory channels constitutes a criminal offence, adding that the growing misuse of Tramadol has been linked to rising cases of addiction and other criminal activities.

The customs controller stated that the successful interception demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven enforcement and the strengthening collaboration among security agencies working to combat transnational crimes.

He added that the seizure would help curb the circulation of illicit Tramadol and reduce the risk of addiction and related health challenges among vulnerable populations.

Ka’ila further disclosed that the customs service would continue to deepen cooperation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in the fight against drug trafficking across the country.

He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and sustained support for officers of the unit, while urging members of the public and community leaders to report suspicious activities to security agencies.