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Tag: Tramadol

  • Again, NDLEA seizes 1.9million tablets of Tramadol, Codeine at Lagos airport

    Again, NDLEA seizes 1.9million tablets of Tramadol, Codeine at Lagos airport

    Again, within 48hours operatives of the National Drug Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have seized over 1.9 million tablets of Tramadol and Codeine imported into the country from Pakistan and United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement issued by the Spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi on Wednesday stating that:

    “Of the total seizures, 40 cartons of Co-Codamol, a brand of paracetamol with Codeine, which is classified as Opioid, were seized from a freight agent, Eraikhueme Ehis.

    “The seizure made on Thursday March 10 translates to 349, 800 tablets weighing 336kg. The consignment came from London, UK as a consolidated cargo through the SAHCO Import Shed of the airport. The consolidated cargo was declared as personal effects but was discovered to contain some medicaments.

    “In the same vein, no less than 1, 584,000 tablets of Tramadol were recovered on Tuesday 15th March by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with Aviation Security (AVSEC) and Customs service personnel at the airport. The seizure includes 17 cartons of 250mg Tramadol branded as “Tamra” weighing 669.70kg and five cartons of 225mg Tramadol under the brand name “Royal” with a gross weight of 217.15kg.

    “The psychotropic substance, which was imported into the country from Pakistan was smuggled through the airport tarmac using one of the vehicles of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) and was intercepted at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Personnel Yard. Two suspects: Ofijeh John Mova, a SAHCO driver and Nyam Gazu Alex who is a security guard with the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) have so far been arrested in connection with the seizure.

    “The previous day, Monday 14th March, a total of 2,160 tablets of Co-codamol weighing 1.95kg and 240 tablets of Tramadol were also intercepted in a consolidated cargo from the UK at the SAHCO import shed of the airport. Follow up operations led to the arrest of the importer of the consignment, Omonijo Temidayo the following day Tuesday 15th March.

    Similarly, follow up operations have also led to the arrest of Hajiya Mariam Saliu in Edo state on Monday 14th March after investigations uncovered her as the brain behind attempt to export 1.55kg cannabis to Dubai through the Lagos airport on 5th March.

    Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives have arrested one of the kingpins behind the attempt to smuggle 11.93 kilograms of Cocaine to Accra, Ghana through the Seme land border, Lagos. The 50-year-old suspect, Oyewunmi Ademola Ahmed was arrested on Tuesday 15th March at Mile 2 area of Lagos after series of follow up operation following the arrest of a driver, Osagie Anthony with the 11.913kg cocaine at Gbaji, Seme-Badagry expressway on January 23.

    In Kwara, a drug dealer, Hope John, 30, was arrested on Saturday 19th March at Goodness area of Offa with different quantities of cannabis, methamphetamine, designer drug and cocaine.

    Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Kwara and Seme Border Commands of the Agency for their commitment, dedication to duty and maintaining cordial working relationship with other stakeholders in their areas of responsibility.

  • NDLEA exposes DCP Abba Kyari in fresh drug case

    NDLEA exposes DCP Abba Kyari in fresh drug case

    More trouble appears to be looming for the suspended Commander of the now-disbanded Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), DCP Abba Kyari, as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) launches a probe of the seizure of a large consignment of Tramadol, an illegal drug, in Lagos.

    The alleged seizure, it was learnt, was not disclosed to the agency.

    According to Vanguard, NDLEA during the weekend commenced the probe as those close to Kyari in the police were believed to be worried that more alleged illegalities linked to the team led by the police officer may be uncovered.

    The once-celebrated officer was arrested last week after the NDLEA busted a drug ring operating the Brazil-Ethiopia-Nigeria route.

    The agency alleged that he was a member of the syndicate and went ahead to ask a court to extend his detention to facilitate investigation into the activities of his team.

    Sources close to the NDLEA said that the Kyari-led team had been linked to the alleged seizure of a large consignment of Tramadol in a warehouse at the Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos.

    It was gathered that the consignment, was worth N3 billion and it was imported into Nigeria by an individual who claimed to be a pharmacist.

    IRT, it was learnt, allegedly got wind of the consignment and stormed the warehouse where the illegal drug was stocked, leading to the seizure.

    Multiple sources at the NDLEA said the agency ordinarily should have been told of the alleged seizure which was said to have taken place last year, saying the Abba Kyari team did not inform the agency of the development.

    “What this means is that the IRT may have sold the consignment of Tramadol to a cartel after storming the Amuwo Odofin warehouse and seizing the Tramadol,” one of the sources said.

    “We have launched a probe into the case with a view to getting to the root of the matter,” the source added.

  • NDLEA intercepts 1.5million Tramadol tablets enroute Kebbi, Kano

    NDLEA intercepts 1.5million Tramadol tablets enroute Kebbi, Kano

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted about 1.5million tablets and capsules of pharmaceutical opioids such as Tramadol, Exol-5 and Diazepam loaded in Onitsha, Anambra state.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that the drugs, heading to Yauri in Kebbi state, were intercepted in Edo by the NDLEA, on Friday Jan. 14, the same day 425,000 Diazepam tablets were recovered at Segemu, Kano.

    He said that acting on credible intelligence, operatives in Edo on Friday Jan. 14 intercepted a trailer coming from Onitsha to Yauri in Kebbi State.

    “A thorough search of the truck led to the discovery of psychotropic substances concealed under legitimate goods.

    “The drugs seized included: 394,480 capsules and 3,000 tablets of Tramadol weighing 83.707kg; Exol-5: 647,500 tablets weighing 203.315kg; Diazepam: 12,500 tablets weighing 2.05kg;

    In addition, there were “Bromazepam: 1,500 tablets weighing 0.45kg; Codeine based Syrup: 999 bottles weighing 134.865kg; Pentazocine injections: 4,000 ampoules weighing 16.64kg, ” he said.

    Babafemi said that the truck driver, Bashir Lawali, 30, was arrested along with Abubakar Sani, 30, and Ali Abubakar, 19, while the exhibits in Kano were seized from one Sa’idu Yahya, 31.

    Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives have frustrated an attempt by drug traffickers to export 73 parcels of cannabis (34.05kg) concealed in foodstuff plastic containers to the United Kingdom.

    This was through the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) export shed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos on Jan. 8th

    Babafemi said that the operatives also intercepted another 50 parcels of cannabis consignment (27.25kg) meant for the United States, at the export shed of the airport on Tuesday Jan. 11th.

    He said that at least three suspects have so far been arrested.

    In a reverse bid, moves by illicit drug merchants to bring into Nigeria 94 parcels of cannabis indica (Colorado) weighing 43.4kg, through the Tin Can seaport in Lagos, were crushed on Jan. 13th.

    “When operatives intercepted the drug inside a 40ft container from Canada; the exhibit was concealed inside a Toyota Camry car.

    “This came on the heels of a similar seizure on Jan. 11th of 59 parcels of Colorado (17.3kg) concealed in a Mercedes Benz vehicle imported from Canada, ” he said.

  • BREAKING: NDLEA arrests popular drug lord in Anambra State

    BREAKING: NDLEA arrests popular drug lord in Anambra State

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested a popular drug lord known as Okeke Chijioke in Anambra State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi made this known on Sunday in Abuja.

    The NDLEA’s Director stated that Chijioke was arrested at No. 3, Atunya street, Maryland Estate, Nkwelle.

    He stated that the agency recovered 548,000 tramadol tablets branded as “Tarkadol” at a warehouse belonging to Chijioke.

    Babafemi said Chijioke’s arrest on Saturday 10th July, followed credible intelligence and surveillance, which confirmed he stocked his warehouse with the illicit drug.

    According to him, after the search of his warehouse, 548,000 tablets of Tarkadol weighing 302.500 kilograms were recovered.

    “The suspect accepted ownership of the substance recovered. Preliminary investigation has established that Tarkadol is a brand of Tramadol that has just been introduced into the market to evade attention.

    “The substance has also tested positive to amphetamine. The drug was equally labeled 100mg pain reliever on its packs to avoid scrutiny, while laboratory tests confirmed it’s a 225mg drug.

    “It was further discovered that the drug was manufactured in India and smuggled into Nigeria without NAFDAC number or certification.

    “During the search on the warehouse, a double barrel pump gun with three live cartridges, which licence expired since 2019, was also discovered and recovered,” Babafemi said.

    The NDLEA’s Director further stated that this was even as operatives of the Benue State command of the agency on road patrol in Apir village on 14th July intercepted and seized 28,400 capsules of tramadol from one Dankawu Madaki, who hails from Misah LGA, Bauchi State.

    In a related development, a notorious interstate drug dealer, Godiya Linus, based in Taraba who supplied narcotics to dealers in Adamawa had been arrested in Numan area of the state.

    Babafemi said Godiya, an ex-convict, was in jail between 2012 and 2018 following his conviction on drug related charges.

    He said a drug dealer, Mohammed Ali, had earlier been arrested on 10th July with 1.150kg of diazepam in Numan.

    “A follow up operation led to the arrest of Godiya who supplied Ali, while investigation has since revealed that he is based in Mayolope village in Lau local government area of Taraba.

    “This was where he supplied Jambutu park in Yola and other parts of Numan, using an unregistered boxer motorcycle for distribution.

    “Few days after Godiya’s arrest, another dealer, Emmanuel Ishiwu was nabbed with different quantities of tramadol, exol-5 and diazepam, totalling 6.103kg also in Numan on 14th July.

    “This also was followed by the arrest of Muhammadu Garba and Shaibu Haruna with 48.500kg of cannabis in Gurin area of the state on Friday, 16th July 2021, ” he said.

    Babafemi quoted the Chairman, NDLEA retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa as commending the officers and men of the Anambra, Benue and Adamawa state Commands.

    Marwa applauded them for sustaining the offensive in the ongoing efforts to mop up illicit drugs from every community in all parts of Nigeria, charging them to remain unrelenting in the discharge of their duties.

  • [Exclusive] Tramadol: NSA raises alarm over name change to Tafrodol

    [Exclusive] Tramadol: NSA raises alarm over name change to Tafrodol

    …notifies Customs
    …says manufacturers discreetly change name

    …to beat prying eyes of security agencies

    By Emman Ovuakporie

    The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (Retd) has raised alarm that manufacturers of Tramadol have discreetly changed its original name of Tramadol to Trafrodol.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) in a letter exclusively obtained reports the ugly development was contained in a letter dated October 30, addressed to the Comptroller of Customs to be at alert.

    In the letter signed by the NSA, entitled : ‘Suspected Name Change of Tramadol’, the NSA said “Intelligence at the disposal of the Office of the National Security Adviser revealed that manufacturers of Tramadol tablets have discreetly started changing the brand name of TRAMADOL to TAFRODOL to evade detection by officials of the relevant Nigeria security agencies.

    Recall that Tramadol was banned by the Federal Government due to its massive abuse by youths to get to ‘cloud 7” and it has serious side effects.

    Read full letter below:

    OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER

    The Comptroller General
    Nigeria Customs Service
    National Headquarter
    Wuse Zone 3
    ABUJA

    30th October 2020

    Dear Sir,

    SUSPECTED CHANGE OF NAME OF TRAMADOL

    Intelligence at the disposal of the Office of the National Security Adviser revealed that manufacturers of Tramadol tablets have discreetly started changing the brand name of TRAMADOL to TAFRODOL to evade detection by officials of the relevant Nigeria security agencies.

    2 In view of the above, the NCS may wish to alert its officials at Nigeria’s points of entry to watch out for this brand of drug coming into the country In this regard you are requested to circulate this information to all the Customs formation and physical examination baser) for the detection and detention of such suspected drugs and the ONSA be notified accordingly.

    3 While thanking you for your continued cooperation, please accept Sir, the assurances of my highest esteem and best regards as always.

    BABAGANA MONGUNO
    Major General (rtd)
    National Security Adviser

  • Police intercept Tramadol worth N54m, recovers 184 ATM cards

    Bauchi State Police Command confirmed that the agency intercepted 4,000 packs of tramadol worth N54 million being transported to Potiskum in Yobe State.

    The contrabands were was intercepted during a mop-up operation by the police.

    Nigerian Police Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Frank Mba confirmed this at the Force Headquarters where 71 suspects were paraded before newsmen. He said the suspects were arrested to ensure a crime-free Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    Furthermore, It was gathered that a one chance syndicate, a two-man gang of burglars, as well as suspected Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards’ thieves, were arrested in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Mba said; “In order to ensure that citizens are able to travel on highways freely, and to have a violence-free yuletide, our operatives have been working round the clock. Today, we have 71 suspects being paraded. Nine AK 47 rifles, three other assorted weapons, vehicles, over 18 handsets of assorted make, were recovered.

    “Over 4,000 packs of tramadol tablets and other incriminating items were also recovered during mop-up operations. Somebody gave us an estimate of N54 million, but I don’t deal on drugs.

    “A once-chance syndicate that specialises in attacking women is one of the syndicates taken out. Another two-man gang that has been carrying out burglary activities in Abuja, especially Gwarimpa, has been taken out.

    “Another two-man gang that specialises on troubling people at ATM points is also among the criminals taken out. We believe with the clearance of these criminal gangs, Abuja residents will have a crime-free Yuletide. A total of 184 ATM cards of different banks, and of course, bearing different names, were recovered.

    “We are also going after dealers on illicit drugs. This is based on our understanding of the nexus between violent crimes and illicit drugs. Operatives also followed a lead and intercepted a gang supplying illicit drugs to both North-East and North-West.”

  • NAFDAC to destroy N198bn seized tramadol

    National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it was set to destroy Tramadol consignment valued at N198 billion which it impounded recently.

    Director-General of the agency, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, made this known on Sunday in a speech at an event to commemorate her one year in office in Abuja.

    She said that the drug would be burnt and disclosed that NAFDAC had in the last one year, destroyed sub-standard and falsified medicines, unsafe drugs and unwholesome food and chemicals worth N3 billion.

    Adeyeye said that with the support of the Presidency, National Security Adviser’s office and sustained awareness campaign on the implications of NAFDAC’s absence at the ports, the agency returned to the ports in May, 2018.

    “The agency seized and destroyed sub-standard and falsified medicines and unsafe drugs worth N3 billion, including unwholesome foods and other unregulated products, in the last one year.

    “We intercepted and destroyed 25 containers of Tramadol worth N1.7 billion

    “There is a plan underway to destroy more than 30 containers of Tramadol and other unregistered products worth N198 billion.

    “Three persons involved in the distribution of the banned tramadol have been arraigned at the Federal High Court in Lagos,” she said.

    Adeyeye said that if the impounded drug had infiltrated Nigerian markets, it would have caused a national security issue as youths addicted to the substance would have taken to violent crimes, including armed robbery and insurgency.

    She disclosed that when she assumed duty at NAFDAC a year ago, the agency was in debt to the tune of N3.2 billion, mainly due to the non-payment of withholding tax to the Federal Government.

    She, however, announced that the agency cleared all the debt within one year “due to proper financial management”.

    The NAFDAC boss added that “Our Ports Inspection Directorate has been able to recover N533 million of evaded administrative charge from stakeholders unpaid from 2014 to 2017.

    She said that NAFDAC, under her leadership, cleared a backlog of 6,000 applications for registration of products.

    Adeyeye said that the agency would on Dec. 15, begin online registration of drugs and foods.

     

  • NAFDAC, customs seize tramadol worth N193bn in one year

    NAFDAC, customs seize tramadol worth N193bn in one year

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control says it has confiscated containers of tramadol with a street value of N193bn.

    In a statement by the Director-General of the agency, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, the seizures were made during a joint examination of containers at the Apapa Port, Lagos which was coordinated by the Nigeria Customs Service.

    According to Adeyeye, about 23 out of 80 40ft containers on the agency’s watch list since November 2017 were examined on Wednesday, November 14 and Thursday, November 15 and it contained tramadol.

    The statement read in part, “These examined containers consist of 128,922 cartons of high strength of tramadol (120mg, 200mg, 225mg and 250mg), which was estimated to be worth about N6,446,100,000 in addition to 321,146 cartons of other unregistered pharmaceutical products. The worth of tramadol on the street is estimated to be at about N193,383,000,000 on an average cost of N1,500,000 per carton of tramadol.”

    She said the drugs emanated from India, adding that the seizure was an outcome of previous communications with the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service in September 2018 about containers suspected to be conveying tramadol and other unregistered pharmaceuticals as well as other NAFDAC regulated products.

    She said about 23 40ft containers examined so far were loaded with tramadol of various strengths from 120mg to 250mg and other unregistered pharmaceutical products that are known to be injurious to the health of the public, most importantly the youth.

    “Since then, the Port Inspections Directorate of NAFDAC has been tracking these containers with daily update on the progress,” Adeyeye said.

    Adeyeye said the prevention of these dangerous drugs from entering into the Nigerian markets would protect millions of youths from hazards of drug addiction which can pose threat to families, Nigerian workforce and the security of the nation at large.

    “Of course, this would have increased the number of casualties from insurgency, armed robbery and other social vices which are known to be the aftermath effect of use of illicit drugs,” the NAFDAC boss said.

    She thanked Customs for cooperating with the agency, adding that strengthening the synergy between them was the best way to boost effectiveness.

  • Kidnapper who slept for several days after tramadol intake finally dies

    Kidnapper who slept for several days after tramadol intake finally dies

    The police in Ondo State say a suspected kidnapper who was arrested in a botched kidnap attempt in Owo is dead following complications from a high intake of tramadol.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspect had been unconscious since his arrest over the August 5 incident at a chemist in Owo.

    Femi Joseph, the spokesperson for Ondo State Command, made the death public while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Akure.

    According to Mr Joseph, the suspect died at Owo General Hospital where medical personnel had battled to revive him.

    “The suspect died nine days after we arrested him; we thought he would be revived so that he could help us in our investigation.

    “Unfortunately, he died yesterday (Monday).

    “This could be connected with the high intake of tramadol which he took.

    “We are using this opportunity to further educate the public, especially parents, to monitor their wards and the kind of company they keep, ’’ he said.

    NAN recalls that suspected kidnappers had stormed Chinery Pharmacy in Owo town with the intention of kidnapping the pharmacist.

    The pharmacist, on sighting the suspects with arms, was said to have escaped through an exit door at the back of the pharmacy.

    The suspects later snatched a Bajaj motorcycle from one Daodu Wale who came to there to buy drugs.

    While one of the suspects fell and was arrested, two accomplices escaped on the motorcycle.

    One cut to size locally made gun and 400mg of tramadol were recovered from the suspect.

    He was said to have slipped into coma since his arrest until his death on Monday evening.

    NAN

  • Kidnapper who took Tramadol still sleeping six days after arrest

    Kidnapper who took Tramadol still sleeping six days after arrest

    Six days after his arrest, a suspected kidnapper in Owo town, Ondo state is still sleeping after allegedly taking Tramadol tablets.

    According to the Ondo State Police Command, the suspect, who was arrested on Sunday, August 5, 2018, was still sleeping as at Friday, August 11, 2018.

    Confirming the occurrence, Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, said the suspect had yet to wake up.

    He said, “As of today (Friday), the suspect had yet to wake up. Maybe he took too much of the drug, that is why he is still sleeping. We have tried all we could to make him regain his consciousness to no avail.

    “However, we are still watching him to find out if he is pretending. We are with him and he would face the music no matter how long he is unconscious.