The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a large shipment of controlled pharmaceutical drugs, including tramadol, on the Benin-Lagos Expressway. The NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, stated this while presenting the latest operational breakthrough to journalists in Benin City on Monday.
Commander Mitchell noted that the operation is a positive result of the tasking order by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (RTD) CON, to take proactive measures in preventing inter-state drug trafficking in the country.
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the command’s ongoing painstaking efforts to combat drug trafficking culminated in the interception of a Mercedes-Benz truck branded with the Nigeria Labour Congress insignia and bearing the registration number Federal Capital Territory NLC 146 FC.
The truck was found with ninety-five cartons containing one million, one hundred and ninety-six thousand (1,196,000) capsules and tablets of psychotropic substances en route from Lagos to Onitsha, Anambra State. Two suspected members of the drug cartel, Osagie Igbinibo, aged 43, and Omijie Malik, aged 44, were also apprehended in connection with the seizure.
The intercepted truck was found to be transporting an alarming total of 748.02 kilograms of controlled substances. The seizure included 23 cartons of tramadol 100 mg and 440,000 capsules (264 kg). Tramadol 50 mg, 40 cartons, 600,000 capsules (180 kg); Rohypnol, 7 cartons, 84,000 tablets (25.2 kg); diazepam injection, 19 cartons, 76,000 ampoules (242.82 kg); bromazepam, 6 cartons, 72,000 tablets (36 kg), totalling 748.2 kilogrammes.
The truck was intercepted during a routine motorised patrol, underscoring the commitment of the NDLEA to disrupt drug trafficking networks threatening public health and safety.
The Commander of Narcotics, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, expressed grave concern over the potential impact of such drug shipments on communities. According to him, “The trafficking of high volumes of controlled drugs, particularly potent opioids like tramadol, poses a dire threat to our youth and society at large. These substances are linked to addiction, health emergencies, and even fatalities. The NDLEA remains vigilant in our mission to eradicate drug abuse, and traffickers must understand that the long arm of the law will catch up with them.”
The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing, as they will be charged in court soon. The NDLEA commander encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking and usage, pledging collaboration with stakeholders, including community leaders, families, and individuals.
