NDLEA nab four Nigeria, a Malian with 4,580kgs of drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Malian and four Nigerians for allegedly dealing in the sale of 4,580kgs  of psychotropic drugs in Kano.

The seized drugs comprising 2,592kgs of codeine cough syrups and 1,988kgs of tramadol were recovered from five secret warehouses located within the metropolis by officers of the Kano State command. This arrest is part of efforts to reduce the sale of and demand for psychotropic substances in the State.

The State commander of the NDLEA, Mr Hamza Umar gave the names of the suspects as Ikechukwu Ukwuoma, 34 years old arrested with 2,010kgs of codeine cough syrups; Nura Ibrahim, 30 years old caught with 886kgs of tramadol and Zakari Muhammadi, a Malian found with 850kgs of tramadol.

Others are Earnest Asogwa, 34 years caught with 582kgs of codeine syrup and Ikenna Osuizugba, 34 years old found in possession of 252kgs of tramadol. The arrests and seizures were made following intelligence report on the illicit drug activities of the suspects.

“The abuse of psychotropic drugs like codeine cough syrups and tramadol is prevalent among young people and married women in the State. It is common to see iced bottles of codeine cough syrup instead of beverage drinks in a gathering of young people” Hamza stated.

Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) said that the Agency is working hard to intensify its sensitization programmes in the State.

“The NDLEA is working assiduously to boost the sensitization efforts of the State command. We are getting more families, schools, community groups and the media involved in this enlightenment programme. This is one important way of reducing the demand and supply for both codeine cough syrup and tramadol tablet taken by youths. The Agency will continue to do its best in protecting the health and future of our youths” Abdallah stated.