Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs weighing 748.02 kilograms along the Benin-Lagos Expressway.
The Edo State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this during a briefing in Benin City, describing the seizure as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on drug trafficking across the country.
According to him, the operation was carried out on April 23, 2026, when officers on routine patrol stopped a Mercedes-Benz truck branded with the Nigeria Labour Congress insignia.
The vehicle, bearing a Federal Capital Territory registration number, was travelling from Lagos to Onitsha in Anambra State.
A search of the truck led to the discovery of 95 cartons of psychotropic substances, including tramadol, Rohypnol, diazepam injections, and bromazepam. In total, the drugs amounted to over 1.19 million capsules, tablets, and ampoules.
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Breakdown of the seizure showed:
440,000 capsules of tramadol (100mg) weighing 264kg
600,000 capsules of tramadol (50mg) weighing 180kg
84,000 tablets of Rohypnol weighing 25.2kg
76,000 ampoules of diazepam injection weighing 242.82kg
72,000 tablets of bromazepam weighing 36kg
Two suspects, identified as Osagie Igbinibo (43) and Omijie Malik (44), were arrested in connection with the illegal consignment.
Ofoyeju warned that the trafficking of such high volumes of controlled drugs, especially opioids like tramadol, poses serious risks to public health, particularly among young people.
He noted that abuse of these substances is linked to addiction, medical emergencies, and even death.
He added that the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The NDLEA commander reaffirmed the agency’s commitment, under the leadership of its Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, to intensify efforts against inter-state drug trafficking.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious drug-related activities, stressing that collaboration with communities is key to winning the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria.
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