NAFDAC Seizes N200b Worth Tramadol, Codeine, Other Illicit Drugs

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said it seized illicit drugs worth about N200 billion. This feat was achieved due to the lifting of embargo on NAFDAC to gain entry to
the borders and ports by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, explaining that since May 2018 within which period it confiscated 86 containers of tramadol and other unregistered pharmaceutical products, injurious to public health. In addition to 25 containers of tramadol worth N1, 708, 750, 000 which it confiscated, the agency confiscated some tramadol (225mg) worth N12.5 million in Onitsha, Anambra, concealed in five bags of garri, adding that no arrest was made

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Moji Adeyeye made the disclosure at the inauguration of NAFDAC-Young Against Drug Abuse (YADA) Awareness Campaign and stakeholders meeting in Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday. “Having been returned to the ports and borders by the President Muhammadu Buhari”S administration in May 2018, NAFDAC has been able to control and seize more tramadol and unregistered products worth more than N200 billion…”

He said the tramadol was loosed from the cartons and scattered in garri bags, noting that on sighting the inspectors of the agency, the trader escaped, abandoning the garri, adding that no arrest has been made.

Speaking on the topic: “Abuse of Psychoactive Drugs in Nigeria: Our Problem”, she expressed concern over the increasing spate of drug abuse, especially in North-Western part of the country.

“It is estimated that 70 per cent of the boys in Kano are on drugs while a lot of young girls and women of childbearing age abuse drugs to overcome frustrations,” she said.

The NAFDAC boss stated that the fight against drug abuse would cover such domains as family, community, school, church, , drug manufacturers, importers and government.

According to her, since the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari to return NAFDAC to ports and borders, the agency has confiscated 86 containers of tramadol and other unregistered pharmaceutical products, injurious to public health.

Adeyeye who was represented by the Director of the agency in Onitsha, Christians Esenwah renewed the call for the passage of Drug Safety Bill to ensure stiffer penalty against drug peddlers.

She urged the Federal Government to provide treatment and rehabilitation centres for drug addicts, noting that the agency was using the Young Pharmaceutical Group (YPG) to curb the spread of drug abuse in the country.

Also contribyting, the state YADA Project Coordinator, Onyeka Obidigwe explained that YADA was a school-based programme, targeted at sensitising students on the dangers of drug abuse and misuse.

“We are targeting the transition points in secondary education at which young adults are prone to drug abuse, especially at the JSS1, SS1 and SS3 classes.

“These are stages our children are exposed to drug abuse and other social vices.

“Research suggests that with proper education, children are more empowered to tackle drug abuse or misuse,” Obidiegwu said.

The project coordinator said that nine schools were selected for the campaign in the state, adding that Anambra, Osun, Delta, Adamawa, Kano and Lagos states were the six pilot states picked for the one-year project.

“YADA is making deliberate effort to educate the young ones against the use of substances like cannabis, cocaine, marijuana and tramadol; that these substances can alter their future and dreams.”

The project is funded by NAFDAC and implemented by Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Young Pharmacists Group (PYNYPG).

More than 50 students from various schools as well as representatives of the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCD) and PYNYPG, among others attended the event.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook