NAFDAC Destroys 491,000 Tramadol Tablets Worth ₦91 Million in Kano

 In a significant move to combat the rising threat of illicit drug distribution in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, destroyed over 491,000 tablets of Tramadol valued at ₦91 million in Kano State.

The seized consignment was originally intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command. The NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, was represented at the destruction event by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement. The exercise took place at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), in the presence of top health and enforcement officials.

Prof. Adeyeye, in her statement, applauded the Customs Service for their vigilance and swift action in seizing the illegal drugs before they could enter the market.

“On May 28, 2025, the NCS intercepted 491 rolls—each containing 10 x 10 x 10 Tramadol 225mg tablets—equivalent to 491,000 pills. The smugglers abandoned the consignment when confronted by Customs operatives,” she said.

She emphasized that the destruction, done in line with international best practices using an industrial incinerator, is a public declaration of NAFDAC's zero tolerance for drug abuse and pharmaceutical crimes. Journalists and health officials were invited to witness the process for transparency.

The NAFDAC DG further stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration, noting that this joint operation with the Nigeria Customs Service showcases the power of teamwork in protecting public health.

“We are committed to strengthening this partnership in accordance with our national action plan and existing MoUs. NAFDAC remains resolute in its mission to protect the health of Nigerians,” she added.

Adeyeye also encouraged the public to report any suspicious drug-related activities to the nearest NAFDAC office, assuring swift enforcement actions.

The destruction exercise was also attended by Kano Zonal Coordinator, Kasim Ibrahim, and a representative of the AKTH Chief Medical Director—signaling strong institutional support in the fight against counterfeit and controlled drug misuse.