The Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has handed over 450,000 intercepted capsules of Pregabalin to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for forensic analysis and regulatory review.
The transfer follows the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NDLEA and NAFDAC on November 24, 2024, aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration in combating the illicit trade in controlled substances.
Pregabalin—originally developed as a prescription medication for epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety disorders—has become one of the most widely abused pharmaceutical drugs in Nigeria. Misused for its sedative and euphoric effects, it has fueled rising cases of addiction, mental health disorders, and youth-related social unrest, particularly in northern regions.
The massive consignment, concealed in a van and packed in 60 cartons, was intercepted by NDLEA operatives during a recent patrol along the Kano–Hadejia road. According to a statement issued Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Maigatari, the drugs had no accompanying documentation or proof of legal ownership.
“The seized items were brought to the NDLEA office for investigation; no legitimate ownership or documentation was presented for the consignment,” Maigatari said.
Acting under the directive of NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the agency promptly transferred the pills to NAFDAC for further examination, in line with the collaborative framework established under the MoU.
The strategic handover was carried out by the Kano State Strategic Command of NDLEA, led by Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics (ACGN), A.I. Ahmad, who reiterated the command’s commitment to enhanced cooperation and synchronised enforcement operations with NAFDAC.
Receiving the consignment, NAFDAC’s Kano State Coordinator expressed appreciation to the NDLEA for its professionalism and timely adherence to the inter-agency agreement. She assured that NAFDAC would continue to collaborate with the agency in pursuing further investigations and regulatory action.
“This joint action underscores both agencies’ determination to disrupt the illicit distribution of controlled pharmaceuticals and protect public health and safety,” Maigatari added.
NDLEA has repeatedly warned of the growing threat posed by the diversion of prescription drugs such as Pregabalin, Tramadol, and Codeine into unregulated markets. The agency has intensified surveillance along major trafficking corridors known for pharmaceutical smuggling.
The seizure and subsequent handover of 450,000 Pregabalin capsules in Kano marks a concrete implementation of the NDLEA–NAFDAC partnership, reflecting a united front against the trafficking of controlled medicines under the guise of legitimate pharmaceutical trade.
