By Deborah Nnamdi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered 43,980 capsules of Tramadol concealed inside two large vehicle fuel tanks in what it described as a sophisticated attempt to traffic illicit drugs across the country.
The agency disclosed the seizure in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, and shared on its official X account.
According to Babafemi, the suspect allegedly travelled to Onitsha, Anambra State, to purchase the fuel tanks specifically for concealing and transporting the drugs rather than for use in a vehicle or commercial resale.
He said the suspect successfully transported the concealed consignment through several security checkpoints from Anambra State before he was intercepted by NDLEA operatives in the Wukari area of Taraba State.
“So a merchant of death travelled to Onitsha, Anambra State to buy the two big vehicle fuel tanks not to sell or use in his vehicle but solely for the purpose of concealing illicit drugs,” Babafemi said.
He added that the suspect had hidden 43,980 capsules of Tramadol inside the fuel tanks and managed to evade multiple security checks before his arrest.
“With 43,980 capsules of Tramadol neatly stuffed in the fuel tanks, he was able to beat security checks all the way from Anambra up to Wukari area of Taraba State where he was eventually arrested by NDLEA officers who uncovered his lid,” Babafemi stated.
The agency said a video released alongside the statement captured the moment operatives uncovered the concealed drugs, bringing the trafficking operation to an abrupt end.
NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks and preventing illicit substances from reaching communities across the country.
