The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has revealed that it confiscated over two billion tramadol pills in the past 18 months as part of intensified operations against illicit drug trafficking.
The Punch reported that the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), made the disclosure on Thursday during a familiarisation visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.
According to Marwa, the seizures resulted from coordinated enforcement efforts and intelligence sharing with international partners, particularly authorities in India and Pakistan.
He said, “Within the last 18 months, we have seized more than two billion pills of tramadol through coordinated operations and intelligence sharing with our international partners, especially in India and Pakistan.”
Marwa cautioned drug traffickers against attempting to use Nigeria’s seaports for illegal activities, noting that the agency had significantly strengthened its surveillance systems and intelligence-gathering capacity.
He explained that the NDLEA works closely with the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, as well as other security agencies under existing memoranda of understanding to facilitate intelligence exchange and smooth transfer of cases.
The NDLEA chairman also appealed for greater cooperation among government institutions, port operators and stakeholders within the Lekki Free Trade Zone to combat drug trafficking and protect the nation’s economy.
Describing the Lekki Deep Sea Port and Free Trade Zone as critical national infrastructure, Marwa stressed that safeguarding the facilities from criminal elements requires collective responsibility.
He said, “The fight against drug abuse and trafficking cannot be left to the NDLEA alone.
Nigeria is facing a very serious drug challenge. We are all parents, and we see what drug abuse is doing to our youths.
“It cannot be the responsibility of the NDLEA alone. It requires total societal collaboration.”
Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s determination to disrupt the cultivation, production, importation, trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs nationwide.
He referenced the recent discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State, noting that the illegal facility, if allowed to operate, would have produced narcotics valued at about $360m.
He added that the Federal High Court had recently inspected the forest site where the laboratory was uncovered as part of the prosecution of those standing trial.
Marwa further stated that all those linked to the illegal drug factory, including foreign nationals, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The NDLEA boss also advised parents to pay close attention to possible signs of drug abuse among their children and seek prompt professional intervention where necessary.
He said, “If there is any suspicion that a family member is using drugs, it is important to conduct a drug test and seek help immediately. Early intervention is better than waiting until addiction leads to psychiatric problems or even death.”
Marwa expressed confidence that the proposed amendment to the NDLEA Act would introduce tougher sanctions for drug traffickers and reinforce Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Lekki Free Zone, Mrs Adesuwa Ladoja, assured the NDLEA of the zone’s continued cooperation in preventing illicit drugs and other criminal activities.
Similarly, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Mr Wang Qiang, reiterated the port’s commitment to supporting the NDLEA and other security agencies, noting that China operates a zero-tolerance policy on illicit drugs.
In his welcome address, the Area Commander of the NDLEA, Lekki Deep Sea Port Command, Jonah Achema, described the command as one of Marwa’s enduring legacies, adding that the chairman had consistently supported its growth since it was established in 2022.
Achema said the command established its credibility early with major seizures of tramadol and other illicit drugs, underscoring its resolve to tackle drug trafficking through Nigeria’s newest seaport.
