Drug Bust Stuns Nation: N7 Billion Tramadol Seizure Rocks Lagos Port
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has achieved major successes in its intensified campaign against illicit drugs, intercepting a colossal 8,725 kg of tramadol at Apapa port, valued at over N6.98 billion. These efforts, which also include seizures of Canadian Loud and arrests at Idumota Market, underscore the agency's commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks across Nigeria.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recently intensified its nationwide campaign against illicit drug trafficking and distribution, leading to significant seizures and arrests across Nigeria.
Among the most notable operations, the agency intercepted a massive consignment of 8,725 kilogrammes of powdered tramadol at the Apapa port in Lagos.
This substantial seizure, valued at over N6.98 billion in street value, was imported from India and cleverly concealed within a shipment declared as maize starch.
The discovery unfolded during a meticulous joint examination involving NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other pertinent agencies.
The initial identification was made on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the APM terminals in Apapa.
Following further exhaustive examination and the careful separation of the illicit substance from its concealment on Wednesday, October 14, the consignment was confirmed to contain 349 bags of tramadol hydrochloride powder, collectively weighing 8,725 kilogrammes.
A subsequent confirmatory test conducted at the NDLEA's forensic laboratory unequivocally established the substance as tramadol hydrochloride powder, directly contradicting the declared maize starch.
In a separate, equally critical operation at the Tincan Island port, also in Lagos, on Monday, October 12, NDLEA operatives unearthed 55 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud.
This illicit drug is valued at N165 million, was found expertly hidden inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle, which itself was stowed within a 40-foot shipping container.
The Canadian Loud was discovered packed in brown cartons during a comprehensive joint examination of the container by the NDLEA, Customs, and other collaborating agencies.
Further demonstrating its widespread operational reach, the NDLEA also conducted a targeted raid in Lagos's bustling Idumota Market on Wednesday, October 14.
This operation led to the arrest of a woman identified as Elizabeth Chidera Kalu, because from her store, operatives successfully recovered 10,600 ampoules of diazepam injection and 6,500 tablets of Molly, preventing these dangerous substances from reaching the streets.
Continuing its proactive efforts, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck on Thursday, October 15, while it was travelling from Trade Fair Market along the Iyana Oba axis.
A thorough search of the vehicle revealed18,000 tablets of tramadol 250mg, ingeniously concealed within cartons falsely labelled as Rambo insecticide.
In connection with this significant consignment, two suspects were apprehended: Tajudeen Adeduntan, identified as the truck's loading manager, and his assistant, Azeez Sikiru.
The NDLEA has affirmed that these extensive operations are integral to its broader, unwavering campaign aimed at curbing drug trafficking and disrupting the distribution networks of illicit pharmaceutical products across the nation.
The agency's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) has extended his commendation to the dedicated officers attached to the Apapa and Tincan commands, as well as personnel from other formations who played crucial roles in these successful nationwide operations, reinforcing the agency's commitment to a drug-free Nigeria.