Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have made a significant drug bust in Gombe State, intercepting a truck containing approximately 2.49 million pills of tramadol valued at over ₦2 billion.
At a press conference, Okechukwu Nkere, the Commander of the NDLEA Gombe State Command, revealed that the operation took place on September 13 at 8:30 p.m. The illicit drugs were concealed within 30 cartons of 300,000 tablets and an additional 146 cartons containing 2,190,000 capsules, all hidden under bags of salt to evade detection.
Acting on credible intelligence, we intercepted the truck transporting these dangerous substances,” Nkere stated. “The drugs were en route to Gombe and possibly to Borno State, with their concealment aimed at avoiding suspicion.
The commander emphasized the importance of the interception, noting that it prevented the drugs from reaching the market and ultimately being used by the public. As a result of the operation, three individuals, including the driver and a spare driver, have been detained while investigations continue to identify the owner of the drugs.
Nkere praised the collaboration between state government agencies and reiterated the need for collective efforts in the fight against drug trafficking. He warned potential offenders to refrain from such activities in the state, confirming that the seized drugs would be destroyed and the suspects would face prosecution once investigations conclude.
Lt. Col. Abdullahi Bello (retired), the State Commissioner of Internal Security, commended the NDLEA operatives for their successful operation, calling the seizure a “big cache” that aligns with the state government’s commitment to combatting drug abuse and trafficking in Gombe State.
