Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs in Gombe State, seizing a truck loaded with a staggering 2.49 million pills of tramadol, valued at over N2 billion.
Speaking at a press briefing earlier today, Friday, September 20, on the drug bust, Mr. Okechukwu Nkere, the NDLEA Commander for Gombe State said the drugs were discovered in 30 white cartons containing 300,000 tramadol tablets and an additional 146 cartons holding 2,190,000 tramadol capsules.
The seizure took place on September 13 at approximately 8:30 p.m. as the truck attempted to enter Gombe.
The intercepted vehicle had its illicit cargo concealed beneath bags of salt, an attempt by those involved to avoid raising suspicion in order to evade law enforcement detection.
“Thanks to credible intelligence, our team was able to intercept the truck, which was transporting the illegal drugs into Gombe State,” Nkere said.
He further detailed how the drugs were hidden with the intent to deceive authorities and emphasized the immense value of the seizure.
The total street value of the confiscated drugs ist estimated at over N2 billion, which would have contributed to the ongoing issue of drug abuse had they made their way into the local markets.
“These psychotropic substances were destined for distribution in Gombe and potentially Borno State,” Nkere added.
As part of the operation, three individuals, including the truck driver, a spare driver, and another accomplice, have been detained. The NDLEA commander stated that an investigation is underway to determine the identity of the primary owner of the drugs.
“The suspects are in custody, and further investigations will reveal the network behind this operation,” Nkere said.
He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the cooperative efforts of the state government and other security agencies in making this operation a success.
“The war against illicit drugs is not something one agency can tackle alone. It requires a collective effort, and the support we’ve received from the government and other sister agencies has been invaluable,” Nkere noted.
The commander issued a strong warning to individuals still involved in drug trafficking or intending to smuggle illicit drugs into Gombe State, urging them to cease their activities immediately.
He reassured the public that the confiscated drugs would be destroyed and that the suspects would face prosecution once investigations are complete.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner of Internal Security, retired Lt. Col. Abdullahi Bello, commended the NDLEA for their swift action in intercepting the drug-laden truck.
He described the seizure as a major breakthrough in the fight against the proliferation of illicit drugs in the region.
“This is a significant haul, and it underscores the commitment of the state government to rid Gombe of drug abuse and its associated problems,” Bello remarked.
The commissioner further highlighted how the seizure aligns with the broader goals of the state government to combat drug abuse and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
