NDLEA Intercepts Over 320,000 Tramadol Capsules in Taraba, Arrests 75-Year-Old Drug Dealer in Ebonyi

NDLEA Intercepts Over 320,000 Tramadol Capsules in Taraba, Arrests 75-Year-Old Drug Dealer in Ebonyi

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, intercepting a massive consignment of opioids concealed in building materials in Taraba State and arresting a 75-year-old suspected drug dealer in Ebonyi State. The operations, which also led to the arrest of several notorious female drug traffickers across Edo, Imo, Kano, and Gombe states, underscore the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks nationwide.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded major successes in its ongoing war against illicit drug trafficking, intercepting large consignments of opioids in Taraba State and arresting a 75-year-old suspected drug dealer in Ebonyi State.

According to the agency, operatives acting on credible intelligence on Saturday, June 6, 2026, intercepted a truck conveying building materials from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Jalingo, Taraba State. A thorough search of the vehicle at the Nukkai Timber Shade in Jalingo uncovered a substantial quantity of illicit drugs hidden beneath the cargo.

The operation led to the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect, Buhari Abdullahi. Recovered items included 320,840 capsules of tramadol, 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 4,500 tablets of rohypnol, and 299 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup.

In Ebonyi State, NDLEA operatives arrested 75-year-old Okebe Samuel in Okposi. The suspect was allegedly found in possession of 300 grams of skunk, which investigators said he packaged into sachets for retail distribution to youths within the community.

Similarly, in Imo State, operatives raided a known drug hub in Umulolo, Orlu, resulting in the arrest of a 32-year-old female suspect, Chioma Okeke. During the operation, officers recovered eight kilograms of skunk.

In Edo State, a coordinated sweep of identified drug hotspots in Benin City on June 2 led to the arrest of four suspected traffickers, including three women.

At Uyosa, Benin City, officers apprehended Chioma Igba, 24, and Precious Ozomah, 22, with 176 grams of skunk, 65 grams of Loud, and five grams of methamphetamine. Another suspect, Anita Abraham, 21, was arrested along Agbor Road with 95 grams of Scottish Loud and 329 grams of regular Loud.

Also arrested was Henry Okey, 43, at Upper Mission, Benin City, where operatives recovered a cache of psychotropic substances, including Loud, Colorado, Swinol, and methamphetamine.

In Kano State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Saifullahi Lawan, in the Kafi area of Madobi on June 4. The suspect was reportedly found in possession of 40 blocks of skunk weighing 38 kilograms.

Meanwhile, in Gombe State, officers intercepted 28-year-old Ugwu Sabastine Ifebuchi near Dantiti Plaza in the Tumfure area on June 1. He was arrested with 15,000 capsules of tramadol.

Beyond enforcement operations, the agency continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign across the country. Sensitisation programmes were conducted in several schools, including Holiness Foundation Primary School in Saki, Oyo State; Dorras High School in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State; Ado Girls Secondary School in Onitsha, Anambra State; and Army Day Secondary School in Kano State.

Reacting to the successes recorded, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, , commended officers and personnel of the Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Kano, and Gombe State commands for their vigilance and dedication.

Marwa reiterated the agency’s commitment to sustaining a balanced approach between drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction, stressing that the NDLEA would continue to pursue and dismantle drug trafficking networks irrespective of the age, gender, or methods employed by offenders.