The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted a major shipment of controlled pharmaceutical drugs along the Benin-Lagos Expressway, including tramadol with a total weight of 748.02 kilograms.
The development was announced by the state commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, during a media briefing in Benin, where he outlined details of the agency’s latest operational success.
He said, “On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the command’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking culminated in the interception of a Mercedes-Benz truck branded with the Nigeria Labour Congress insignia and bearing the registration number Federal Capital Territory NLC 146 FC.
“The truck was found carrying 95 cartons containing 1.196 million capsules and tablets of psychotropic substances en route from Lagos to Onitsha, Anambra State.”
According to the commander, the truck was intercepted during a routine motorised patrol, highlighting the agency’s continued efforts to disrupt drug trafficking routes across the country.
Two individuals suspected to be part of a drug trafficking network were arrested at the scene.
“Two suspected members of the drug cartel, Osagie Igbinibo, aged 43, and Omijie Malik, aged 44, were also apprehended in connection with the seizure.”
Further details of the seizure revealed the scale and variety of the drugs involved.
“The intercepted truck was found to be transporting a total of 748.02 kilograms of controlled substances.
“The seizure included 23 cartons of tramadol (100 mg), comprising 440,000 capsules (264 kg); tramadol (50 mg), 40 cartons containing 600,000 capsules (180 kg); Rohypnol, 7 cartons containing 84,000 tablets (25.2 kg); diazepam injection, 19 cartons containing 76,000 ampoules (242.82 kg); and bromazepam, 6 cartons containing 72,000 tablets (36 kg), totalling 748.02 kilogrammes.”
Ofoyeju expressed concern about the broader implications of such drug movements, particularly their impact on communities and young people.
“The trafficking of high volumes of controlled drugs, particularly potent opioids like tramadol, poses a threat to our youth and society at large. These substances are linked to addiction, health emergencies, and fatalities.
“The NDLEA remains vigilant in its mission to eradicate drug abuse, and traffickers must understand that the law will take its course,” he said.
He added that the suspects are currently in custody and that investigations are ongoing, with plans to charge them in court soon.
The commander also urged members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities related to drug trafficking and abuse. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the agency and key stakeholders, including communities, families and local leaders.
Ofoyeju noted that the operation aligns with directives from the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, who has called for proactive measures to curb inter-state drug trafficking nationwide.
