The Kano/Jigawa command of the Nigeria Customs Service has officially transferred 491,000 confiscated tramadol hydrochloride tablets, valued at over ₦150 million, to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Kano.
The illicit cargo, intercepted along the Gumel-Birniwa route in Jigawa, was hidden in a dark-tinted Lexus 450 SUV and smuggled into the country under the cover of night.
During the handover ceremony in Kano on Monday, area comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar stated that the seizure was a result of intelligence efforts and highlights the command’s commitment to combatting drug trafficking.
“This action reflects our determination to eliminate harmful substances from society. The individuals involved in smuggling, transportation, and manufacturing are not the end-users. We must question, who benefits from these drugs?” he remarked.
He voiced concern over the societal repercussions of drug abuse, which are linked to crime, violence, economic hardship, homelessness, and detrimental health consequences, including weakened immune systems and psychological dependency.
The comptroller called upon religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, government bodies, and the media to enhance awareness and advocacy initiatives against drug abuse.
Mr Abubakar also pointed out the gender-related aspects of this crisis, revealing that one in four drug users in Nigeria is a woman, a trend he deemed alarming given the pivotal role women occupy in families and communities.
Citing data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), he noted that Nigeria, with an estimated population of 236.8 million, ranks as the sixth most populous country worldwide, with around three million drug users residing in the North-West zone alone.
Upon receiving the confiscated items, NAFDAC’s state coordinator in Kano, Kasim Idrissa, praised the Customs Service for its vigilance and collaborative efforts.
Mr Idrissa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enhancing inter-agency cooperation in addressing the drug crisis and urged the public to assist regulatory and enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
He also indicated that a date for the destruction of the seized drugs would be announced soon, in accordance with regulatory standards.
