NDLEA uncovers new route for banned drugs import

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a new route used by criminally minded persons to import drugs into Nigeria.

The Chairman/ Chief Executive of NDLEA, Colonel Muhammad Abdallah (rtd), who disclosed this said the agency has discovered another 40-foot container at Brawal terminal in Lagos.

He explained that the discovery was made during follow up investigations by the NDLEA after the police intercepted a 40-foot container laden with about 40 cartons of tramadol and other banned drugs, concealed in cartons of brushes.

A joint examination conducted on the container revealed that 255 cartons of different types of tramadol and other banned medicines were concealed therein.

According to Abdallah, further investigation by the NDLEA revealed that the tramadol was manufactured in Pakistan – a newly discovered country for the manufacturing of such drugs formerly known to have its origin in India.

He described the latest discovery as a major breakthrough for the agency, revealing that the new route for movement of tramadol into the country was from Pakistan via Europe (Hamburg) to Nigeria.

The NDLEA boss stressed that the agency would get to the root of the investigation which he said was of global interest.

He called on other security agencies to collaborate with the NDLEA in achieving a successful investigation.

Abdallah also commended the police, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and other agencies for their cooperation with the NDLEA.  (NAN)