The National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has uncovered 340 million Tramadol tablets
in 12 containers at the Apapa port in Lagos.
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has uncovered 340 million Tramadol tablets
in 12 containers at the Apapa port in Lagos.
Head of Public Affairs of the agency, Mr Jonah Achema, stated this
in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Achema said that the tablets which were in various dosages ranging
from 120 milligrams to 250 milligrams were recovered from 12 containers in the
ongoing search in Apapa port.
from 120 milligrams to 250 milligrams were recovered from 12 containers in the
ongoing search in Apapa port.
He said the containers were on the watch-list of NDLEA since
November, 2017 and were brought to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for search
based on the agency’s reasonable suspicion of the containers containing
tramadol.
November, 2017 and were brought to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for search
based on the agency’s reasonable suspicion of the containers containing
tramadol.
He stated that the NCS on Wednesday dropped 28 of 62 containers
slated for search, among which 12 of them were been found to contain tramadol.
slated for search, among which 12 of them were been found to contain tramadol.
“The search is still
ongoing.
ongoing.
“Tramadol is a pharmaceutical drug which has been subject of abuse
by the populace.
by the populace.
“In one single operation in November last year, the agency intercepted
160 million tablets of tramadol at the Apapa port which ranged from 220 to 250
milligrams.
160 million tablets of tramadol at the Apapa port which ranged from 220 to 250
milligrams.
“They were imported from India using false documents in the name
of an unregistered company,” Achema said.
of an unregistered company,” Achema said.
According to Col. Muhammad Abdallah (retd), Chairman, NDLEA, it is
doubtful that this influx of Tramadol is for legitimate use.
doubtful that this influx of Tramadol is for legitimate use.
“Tramadol, which is a derivative of Opiate is for post-surgery
application but even if everybody in Nigeria undergoes surgery every year, we
do not need the quantity that enters our country.
application but even if everybody in Nigeria undergoes surgery every year, we
do not need the quantity that enters our country.
“It only suggests their diversion for illicit use,” he said.
NAN.
