The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has announced the interception of controlled pharmaceutical drugs, including 748.02kg of tramadol, along the Benin–Lagos Expressway.
The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement on Monday while presenting the latest operational breakthrough to journalists in Benin.
He said the operation, carried out on Thursday, April 23, 2026, was part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
According to him, operatives intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck branded with the Nigeria Labour Congress insignia and bearing the registration number FCT NLC 146 FC.
The truck was found carrying 95 cartons containing 1.196 million capsules and tablets of psychotropic substances, allegedly en route from Lagos to Onitsha, Anambra State.
Two suspects identified as Osagie Igbinibo, 43, and Omijie Malik, 44, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
Ofoyeju stated that the total weight of the intercepted controlled substances was 748.02 kilograms.
He listed the seizure as including 23 cartons of tramadol (100mg) containing 440,000 capsules weighing 264kg; tramadol (50mg), 40 cartons containing 600,000 capsules weighing 180kg; Rohypnol, 7 cartons containing 84,000 tablets weighing 25.2kg; diazepam injection, 19 cartons containing 76,000 ampoules weighing 242.82kg; and bromazepam, 6 cartons containing 72,000 tablets weighing 36kg.
He explained that the interception occurred during a routine motorised patrol, describing it as part of NDLEA’s intensified efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks.
Ofoyeju warned that the circulation of large quantities of controlled substances, especially opioids like tramadol, poses serious risks to public health, particularly among young people.
“These substances are linked to addiction, health emergencies, and fatalities. The NDLEA remains committed to eradicating drug abuse, and traffickers must understand that the law will take its course,” he said.
He added that the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The commander also urged members of the public to report suspicious drug-related activities, noting that the agency continues to collaborate with community leaders, families, and stakeholders.
Ofoyeju further stated that the operation aligns with directives from the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), aimed at preventing inter-state drug trafficking across the country.
Elijah Adeyemi
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