NDLEA intercepts 43,980 tramadol capsules concealed in fuel tanks
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 43,980 capsules of tramadol concealed inside two large vehicle fuel tanks in what it described as a sophisticated drug trafficking operation.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on his X handle.
According to the statement, the suspect allegedly travelled to Onitsha, Anambra State, to purchase the fuel tanks solely for the purpose of concealing and transporting the illicit consignment, rather than for use in a vehicle or resale.
Babafemi said the suspect successfully transported the concealed drugs through several security checkpoints from Anambra State before he was eventually arrested by NDLEA operatives in the Wukari area of Taraba State.
“A merchant of death travelled to Onitsha, Anambra State, to buy the two large vehicle fuel tanks not to sell or use in his vehicle, but solely for the purpose of concealing illicit drugs.
“With 43,980 capsules of tramadol neatly stuffed inside the fuel tanks, he was able to beat security checks all the way from Anambra to the Wukari area of Taraba State, where he was eventually arrested by NDLEA officers who uncovered the concealment.
“This video captures the moment his operation was exposed and his drug trafficking enterprise brought to an abrupt end.”
The agency also released a video showing operatives opening the fuel tanks and recovering thousands of tramadol capsules hidden inside.
The latest seizure underscores the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by drug traffickers and the NDLEA’s continued efforts to dismantle illicit drug trafficking networks across the country.