The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has unearthed a N22 billion Tramadol deal by an unidentified drug baron, a chairman of a popular pharmaceutical company in Nigeria.
During investigation, the agency also reportedly linked the suspended super corp, Abba Kyari, with another N3 billion tramadol deal involving the drug baron.
The Director Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, in a statement, said the investigation had revealed how the suspect, who also owns a group of companies, including plastic industries and other factories, in October 2019 imported into Nigeria two containers with 1,284 cartons of Tramadol at a market value of over N22billion.
Denying the rumour that the NDLEA had no evidence to link the suspect with the crime, Babafemi said after months of surveillance, the suspect was eventually arrested on board a flight to Abuja at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport MMIA MM2 Terminal of the Lagos airport, Ikeja, on Wednesday, April 13.
He said: “Investigations revealed that he has been a major importer of large consignments of different brands and high dosages of Tramadol Hydrochloride, ranging from 120mg, 200mg, 225mg and 250mg, all of which are illicit.
“He (name withheld) owns pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies, which he used as a cover to import illicit drugs into Nigeria. The suspect has been importing large quantities of Tramadol far above the approved threshold allowed into Nigeria.
“No doubt the suspect will soon have his day in court.”
