By Erewunmi Peace

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a consignment of 2.2 million tramadol pills worth ₦3.9 billion and arrested four suspects, including an Indian businessman, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed that the illicit shipment, disguised as multivitamins, was imported from Delhi, India, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on 8 September 2025. The drugs, packed in 114 cartons, contained tramadol tablets in 200mg and 225mg dosages.

Following days of surveillance, NDLEA officers apprehended a clearing agent and two drivers on 11 September while they attempted to move the consignment out of the airport. The following day, Gupta Ravi Kumar, the alleged sponsor of the shipment, was arrested when he arrived to take delivery of the cargo.

The agency said the suspects — Kumar, Ogunlana Noah Olanrewaju, Olushola Idrees Kayode, and Bakare Korede Muheeb — are now in custody for further investigation and prosecution.

In a related operation, NDLEA also arrested a passenger, Onyeganochi Stanley Ifeanyi, at the MMIA Terminal 2 departure gate. A search of his luggage uncovered 900 grams of cannabis sativa concealed in crayfish. His confession led to the arrest of a Qatar-based accomplice, Ohadiegwu Anthony Uchenna, with more drugs discovered in his hotel room in Ajao Estate.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers for the successful operation, reiterating the agency’s resolve to maintain pressure on drug cartels and traffickers under the ongoing “War Against Drug Abuse” campaign.