The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 43,980 capsules of tramadol concealed inside two large vehicle fuel tanks following a surveillance operation that stretched across several states.
The agency disclosed that the suspect allegedly travelled to Onitsha, Anambra State, to purchase the fuel tanks specifically for concealing the illicit drugs, rather than for use in a vehicle or commercial purposes.
According to NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspect successfully transported the modified tanks through several security checkpoints before being intercepted in the Wukari area of Taraba State.
Babafemi revealed the development in a statement and video shared on X on Sunday, explaining that the trafficker used the specially modified fuel tanks to evade detection.
He said the suspect had purchased the two large tanks in Onitsha and packed the tramadol capsules inside them before transporting them from Anambra to Taraba.
“With 43,980 capsules of tramadol neatly stuffed in the fuel tanks, he was able to beat security checks all the way from Anambra up to Wukari area of Taraba State,” Babafemi said.
NDLEA operatives eventually arrested the suspect in Wukari and dismantled the fuel tanks, leading to the discovery of the concealed capsules.
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The agency said the seizure demonstrates the increasingly sophisticated methods being employed by drug traffickers to move prohibited substances across the country.
Traffickers have increasingly resorted to hiding narcotics in vehicle parts, food products and household items in an effort to avoid detection by security agencies.
The identity of the suspect was not disclosed, and the NDLEA did not confirm whether other individuals had been arrested in connection with the consignment.
Tramadol is an opioid painkiller that is classified as a controlled medicine in Nigeria due to its abuse and illegal distribution. Authorities have repeatedly warned about the dangers associated with its misuse and illicit trafficking.
The NDLEA said investigations are continuing to determine the source of the drugs and identify other individuals who may be connected to the trafficking operation.
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