The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 1.63 million pills of tramadol during a major cross-border operation at the Nigeria-Benin Republic border.
The agency disclosed this in a statement on Monday, describing the seizure as part of ongoing efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and dismantle transnational criminal networks.
According to the NDLEA, the consignment was concealed inside a commercial vehicle attempting to enter Nigeria when operatives intercepted it during routine checks and intelligence-driven operations.
The agency said the seizure prevented a large quantity of the controlled substance from entering the local market.
Several suspects connected to the consignment were arrested during the operation and are currently assisting investigators.
The NDLEA added that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the sponsors, financiers and other collaborators involved in the trafficking network.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and professionalism.
Marwa reiterated the agency’s commitment to preventing the proliferation of illicit substances and protecting communities from the harmful effects of drug abuse and trafficking.
He warned criminal syndicates that the NDLEA would continue to strengthen border surveillance, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration to disrupt their activities.
The seizure is one of the latest successes recorded by the agency in its sustained campaign against drug trafficking across the country’s borders.
The NDLEA has consistently intensified enforcement actions aimed at reducing the availability of illicit drugs and curbing associated criminal activities nationwide.
