NAFDAC destroys ₦91m worth of tramadol, seals warehouse containing explosive chemicals
Story by Jameel Lawan Yakasai
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and sealed a warehouse in the Kwakwachi area of Fagge Local Government Area in Kano State for storing chemicals used as ingredients in producing explosives.
According to NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the warehouse contained 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid and 28,560 litres of nitric acid, totaling 88,560 litres.
The chemicals, packed in 20 and 30-litre jerry cans, were discovered following intelligence gathered by NAFDAC officers. Prof. Adeyeye, represented by the Agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, stated that the chemicals are controlled substances requiring permits and clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser before handling.
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The NAFDAC DG emphasised that the individual’s operation posed a significant threat to the state and country, noting that the producer lacked the necessary license to handle the chemicals.
“What we see here can destroy the whole of Kano, and being found in the hands of someone we cannot trace or identify is something everyone should be interested in,” she said.
One suspect in charge of managing the facility has been arrested and is currently undergoing interrogation.
In a related development, NAFDAC destroyed 491,000 tablets of Tramadol 225mg, valued at ₦91 million. The destruction was carried out using an incinerator at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano, with witnesses from the Nigerian Customs Service and hospital officials.
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The Tramadol tablets were handed over to NAFDAC after being intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kano/Jigawa Command, led by Comptroller Abubakar Zurmi.
The consignment was seized as it was being smuggled into the country from the Niger Republic.
Prof. Adeyeye commended the excellent inter-agency collaboration that led to the successful operation and urged anyone with relevant information to report to the nearest NAFDAC office.
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