NAFDAC Destroys 491,000 Tramadol Tablets Worth N91 Million in Kano

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday supervised the destruction of 491,000 tablets of Tramadol valued at N91 million in Kano State.

The drugs, which were seized by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, were incinerated at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). The destruction exercise was witnessed by top officials including the NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.

Speaking during the event, Prof. Adeyeye commended the Customs Service for its successful interception of the illicit drugs and for handing over the consignment to NAFDAC. “We are pleased to have you witness this important exercise today. On May 28th, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Command, headed by Comptroller Abubakar Zurmi, successfully intercepted and handed over 491 rolls containing 10 x 10 x 10 tablets each, equivalent to 491,000 tablets of Tramadol 225mg,” she said.

According to Adeyeye, the Tramadol consignment was intercepted when smugglers attempted to bring it into the country illegally. “The NCS intercepted this consignment when unscrupulous elements attempted to smuggle it into Nigeria. The culprits abandoned the consignment when overwhelmed by NCS operatives,” she revealed.

NAFDAC Upholds Global Standards in Drug Disposal, Strengthens Public Health and Security Collaboration

In line with international best practices for the disposal of pharmaceutical products, NAFDAC invited journalists to witness the destruction exercise, which was carried out using a high-temperature incinerator. “According to the NCS, the duty value of this consignment would have been N91 million,” Adeyeye added.

The NAFDAC DG emphasized that the operation reflects strong inter-agency collaboration and a strategic partnership aimed at curbing the menace of the illicit drug trade. “We remain committed to strengthening this partnership, in line with our national action plan and memorandum of understanding between the two foremost agencies of government,” she said.

Adeyeye reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and urged Nigerians to support NAFDAC’s mission by reporting suspicious activities. “We remain committed to safeguarding the health of all Nigerians,” she stated, encouraging the public to report drug-related crimes to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate action.

The destruction exercise was also attended by NAFDAC’s Kano Zonal Coordinator, Kasim Ibrahim, and a representative of the Chief Medical Director of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.