The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kogi has arrested a Kaduna-based patent medicine seller, Obinna Ifekamma, alias Young Alhaji, over possession of 30,000 unlabelled capsules of Tramadol.
NDLEA Commander Idris Bello told journalists in Lokoja that Tramadol was a “controlled” psychotropic drug which was not expected to be sold on the counter.
Bello said that the drugs were discovered concealed in neatly packed cartons in a white Ford truck marked Kaduna: SBG 382 XA.
He said that the vehicle was intercepted on Feb. 18, enroute Kaduna from Onitsha in Anambra.
The commander explained that the cartons containing the Tramadol capsules had the name: “Young Alhaji’’ written boldly on them.
According to him, this led to the command collaborating with its counterpart in Kaduna State and the subsequent arrest of the suspect on March 3.
Bello said that labourers, who loaded the truck in Onitsha, were also brought to Lokoja for interrogation and their statements were obtained.
The consignment of “Tramadol Capsule 120 BP’’, he said, was imported from India but through illegal means as there was no NAFDAC number on the cartons or packs of the drug.
“We have 30,000 of the capsules here in these cartons and only God knows the damage they would have done to our youths if these were retailed,” he said.
Bello also paraded one Abdullahi Husseini arrested at Idah for being in possession of 1.5kg of Cannabis sativa (Indian hemp).
The commander appealed to members of the public to support the agency in the fight against illicit drugs.
“This is electioneering period, we need the support and cooperation of the society to enable us tackle drug problems,” he said.
Bello said that with the command moving to its new office complex in the state, the agency would strengthen its rehabilitation and counseling units.
He said that when the agency completes its investigation, the suspects would be prosecuted.
(NAN)
