NDLEA Seized Over Two Billion Tramadol Pills in 18 Months, Marwa Reveals

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has announced the seizure of more than two billion pills of tramadol over the past 18 months, as part of intensified operations against illicit drug trafficking across the country.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed this on Thursday during a familiarisation visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone and Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.

According to Marwa, the massive seizures were achieved through coordinated intelligence-driven operations carried out in partnership with international law enforcement agencies, particularly authorities in India and Pakistan.

“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,” he said.

NDLEA Warns Drug Traffickers Against Using Nigerian Ports

Marwa cautioned drug traffickers against using Nigeria’s seaports as transit routes, noting that the agency has significantly strengthened its surveillance systems and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

He explained that the NDLEA works closely with the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other security agencies under existing memoranda of understanding to facilitate intelligence sharing and seamless transfer of cases.

The NDLEA chairman urged government institutions, port operators and stakeholders within the Lekki Free Trade Zone to deepen collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking, stressing that protecting the country’s strategic economic assets requires a united effort.

‘Drug War Requires Collective Action’

Describing the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Free Trade Zone as critical national assets, Marwa said combating drug trafficking cannot be left solely to the NDLEA.

“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,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to disrupting every stage of the illicit drug trade, including cultivation, production, importation, trafficking and distribution.

Ogun Meth Lab Could Have Produced $360m Worth of Drugs

Marwa referenced the recent discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State, warning that the facility could have produced illicit drugs valued at approximately $360 million if it had remained undetected.

He also revealed that the Federal High Court recently visited the forest location where the illegal laboratory was uncovered as part of the ongoing prosecution of those linked to the operation.

According to him, those responsible for establishing the illegal drug factory, including foreign nationals, should face the full weight of the law.

Parents Urged to Watch for Signs of Drug Abuse

The NDLEA boss also appealed to parents and guardians to remain vigilant by monitoring their children and relatives for signs of substance abuse and seeking professional help at the earliest opportunity.

“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,”he said.

Marwa expressed optimism that the proposed amendment to the NDLEA Act would introduce tougher penalties for drug traffickers and further strengthen Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign.

Lekki Free Zone, Port Pledge Continued Support

Earlier, the Managing Director of Lekki Free Zone, Mrs Adesuwa Ladoja, assured the NDLEA of the organisation’s continued cooperation in keeping the zone free from illicit drugs and other criminal activities.

Similarly, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Mr Wang Qiang, reaffirmed the port’s commitment to supporting the NDLEA and other security agencies, noting that China maintains a zero-tolerance policy against illegal 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 achievements since its establishment in 2022.

He noted that the command had quickly distinguished itself through major seizures of tramadol and other illicit substances, underscoring its growing role in safeguarding Nigeria’s newest seaport from drug trafficking.