NDLEA Apapa Port: ₦6.98bn Tramadol Seizure Uncovered in Nigeria

• The NDLEA intercepted 8,725kg of powdered tramadol, valued at over N6.98 billion, at Apapa Port in Lagos.
• This massive tramadol hydrochloride powder seizure was falsely declared as maize starch and originated from India.
• At Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Fatimah Ahmad was arrested for attempting to smuggle 511.75 grammes of cannabis to Saudi Arabia.
• Fatimah Ahmad's cousin, Abubakar Yahaya, was also apprehended at the airport after she implicated him in providing the illicit substance.
• These operations are part of a broader series of NDLEA interdictions across multiple Nigerian states, targeting various illicit drugs and arresting dozens of suspects.

The significant NDLEA Apapa Port ₦6.98bn tramadol seizure, along with other interdictions, underscores the agency's intensified efforts and improved detection capabilities at Nigeria's critical entry points.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently achieved a significant drug interdiction at Apapa Port in Lagos, seizing 8,725 kilograms of powdered tramadol with an estimated street value exceeding N6.98 billion. This substantial NDLEA Apapa Port ₦6.98bn tramadol seizure was uncovered on October 2nd during a joint examination with the Customs Service and other agencies at the APM terminals. The illicit consignment, originating from India, had been falsely declared as maize starch, a common tactic used by drug traffickers to evade detection.

Further investigation and forensic analysis at the NDLEA laboratory confirmed the substance to be tramadol hydrochloride powder. The agency reported that by October 14th, the concealed drugs had been fully separated, revealing 349 bags of the potent opioid. This operation highlights the persistent challenge of drug trafficking through Nigeria's major ports and the sophisticated methods employed by criminal networks.

In a separate incident on October 16, 2026, NDLEA operatives at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State made a crucial Mallam Aminu Kano Airport cannabis arrest. A female passenger, Fatimah Ahmad, was apprehended during the outward clearance of an Ethiopian Airlines flight bound for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, via Addis Ababa. She was found in possession of a gallon of palm oil containing 511.75 grammes of cannabis parcels. Following her confession that her cousin, Abubakar Yahaya, had provided the gallon, he was promptly arrested at the airport car park, marking a swift resolution to the Fatimah Ahmad drug arrest.

Beyond these high-profile seizures, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Nigeria has been conducting a series of extensive operations across the country, targeting various illicit substances and arresting numerous suspects. At the Tincan Port in Lagos, a joint examination on October 12th led to the discovery of 55 kilograms of Canadian Loud, valued at N165 million. These drugs were cleverly hidden in brown cartons inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle, which was being transported within a 40-foot container.

Further enforcement actions in Lagos included a raid on Idumota market on October 14th, resulting in the arrest of Elizabeth Chidera Kalu and the recovery of 10,600 ampoules of diazepam injection and 6,500 tablets of Molly. The following day, October 15th, two 35-year-old men, Idowu Daudu and Ahmed Oniyinde, were arrested in Mushin with 59.95kg and 61.23kg of skunk, respectively. Additionally, an intelligence-led interdiction on October 15th along Iyana Oba intercepted a truck from Trade Fair market, yielding 18,000 pills of tramadol 250mg concealed in Rambo insecticide cartons, leading to the arrest of loading manager Tajudeen Adeduntan and his assistant Azeez Sikiru.

Similar operations were carried out in Edo State between October 15th and 16th, where six suspects were apprehended in Owan East LGA. Among them were 85-year-old Grace Ehimeka, found with 179kg of skunk, and Ayo Aigberadion, 53, with 220.8kg. These widespread actions demonstrate the agency's commitment to combating drug trafficking Nigeria ports and across its land borders.

The recent wave of seizures, particularly the NDLEA Apapa Port ₦6.98bn tramadol seizure, underscores the significant threat posed by drug trafficking to public health and national security. The sheer volume and value of the tramadol hydrochloride powder seizure indicate a well-organized criminal enterprise attempting to exploit Nigeria's trade routes. The agency's success in detecting such a large quantity, despite sophisticated concealment methods and false declarations, reflects enhanced intelligence gathering and operational capabilities.

These interdictions, spanning major ports like Apapa and Tincan, as well as international airports and various communities, highlight the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency's intensified enforcement drive. The collaboration with other agencies, such as the Customs Service, is proving effective in strengthening the country's defenses against the influx and distribution of illicit drugs. The significant NDLEA Apapa Port ₦6.98bn tramadol seizure, along with other interdictions, underscores the agency's intensified efforts and improved detection capabilities at Nigeria's critical entry points.

This report highlights the NDLEA's intensified enforcement and detection capabilities at major Nigerian ports and airports. Lawyers advising clients in logistics, shipping, import/export, and pharmaceutical sectors must emphasize the critical need for enhanced due diligence, robust internal compliance protocols, and thorough cargo vetting to mitigate severe legal and financial penalties associated with drug trafficking.

Source: Original reporting via agency statement and news outlet