The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bauchi State Command, has arrested a 35-year-old man, Shamsu Garba, after recovering 894,800 tramadol capsules and a large quantity of Exol-5 tablets in Katagum Local Government Area.

The suspect was intercepted by operatives of the agency’s Azare Area Command at Ragwam village on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, while travelling in a Volkswagen Golf wagon.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 894,800 tramadol capsules weighing 51.4kg and Exol-5 tablets weighing 230.8kg, according to the NDLEA.

NDLEA Intensifies Anti-Drug Operations

The Bauchi State Commander of the NDLEA, CN Hassan Yaqub, commended the officers involved in the operation for their dedication and professionalism.

Yaqub reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and substance abuse, saying enforcement efforts would continue across the state.

The agency has not disclosed the intended destination of the seized drugs or whether Garba was working with other individuals. Investigations are expected to establish the source of the consignment and determine whether other people were involved.

265kg of Cannabis Recovered from Abandoned Vehicle

In a separate operation on the same day, NDLEA operatives recovered 291 blocks of cannabis weighing 265kg from an abandoned vehicle at Tudun Natsira village along the Bauchi–Gombe Road.

The seizure forms part of the agency’s wider operations targeting the movement and distribution of illicit substances.

The NDLEA has continued to warn against the trafficking and misuse of tramadol and other controlled substances because of the health risks associated with their non-medical use.

The allegations against Garba have not been established by a court, and investigations into the seizure are ongoing.