NDLEA Intercepts Large Cache of Illegal Drugs in Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Command, has announced the seizure of a significant quantity of illicit drugs during an operation in the Badawa area of the metropolis.

The operation, detailed in a statement released on Monday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, led to the recovery of 75,000 capsules of Pregabalin, 556 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, and a substantial amount of cannabis sativa.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Pregabalin is primarily an anticonvulsant and pain-relief medication. However, the NDLEA notes that it has, in recent years, emerged as one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs in the country.

Following the seizure, the Kano State NDLEA Commander, Mr. Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, stated that the raid was conducted based on credible intelligence. He revealed that the illicit substances were believed to be destined for distribution during the forthcoming Sallah festivities.

“This operation successfully disrupted what would have been a major supply of drugs to illegal markets within the state,” Mr. Yahaya-Lawal said.

The agency confirmed that the primary suspect linked to the consignment is currently at large and has been placed on its wanted list.

“This interception is a significant setback to the operations of the cartel’s network and serves to protect the residents of Kano from the dangers associated with these harmful substances,” the Commander added.

Mr. Yahaya-Lawal reaffirmed the command’s dedication to the agency’s national objective of achieving a drug-free society, in line with the directives of the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa. He assured that the fight against drug abuse and trafficking would be sustained.

He also expressed appreciation for the continued support from the public and urged residents to volunteer information that could assist in combating drug trafficking. The Commander issued a stern warning to those engaged in the illicit drug trade to cease their activities, stressing that the agency remains relentless in its pursuit to bring offenders to justice.