The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 248,500 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (250mg), a controlled substance valued at N273.35m, in Yobe State.
The Controller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone D, Bauchi, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, March 9.
Ka’ila said the seizure followed intelligence gathering, collaboration with other security agencies, and proactive surveillance by officers of the unit.
According to him, the unit received credible intelligence on the possible movement of a large consignment of tramadol through covert routes in Gumsi Village, Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
He said a covert operation involving surveillance teams was subsequently planned and executed, leading to the recovery of the tablets.
“During the operation, officers recovered 248,500 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (250mg), a powerful controlled substance with an approximate street value of N273,350,000,” he said.
Ka’ila added that the operation disrupted a major syndicate involved in illicit tramadol trafficking, which is believed to have links extending beyond Nigeria to neighbouring countries and international markets.
He said the suspect fled into the bush upon sighting Customs patrol vehicles.
The controller noted that the seizure would support ongoing efforts to curb drug abuse, particularly among vulnerable groups such as youths and students, by reducing the availability of illicit tramadol in the market.
“By intercepting these consignments, the Nigeria Customs Service enhances national security, reduces funding available to organised crime syndicates, and demonstrates the capacity to combat transnational illegal activities,” he said.
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He added that the interception would also prevent substantial revenue loss through illegal imports while protecting legitimate pharmaceutical businesses from unfair competition and counterfeit products.
Ka’ila said the service would continue to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
He also said the service would intensify sensitisation campaigns to encourage communities to report suspicious activities.
The controller commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and the management team for their leadership and support to officers of the unit.
He described the seizure as a significant milestone in the country’s fight against drug trafficking and evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.
Ka’ila called on law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and the public to remain vigilant and support efforts to eradicate drug abuse and trafficking in the country.