NDLEA arrests 2 pharmacists for importing, hiding tramadol inside packs of condoms at Lagos Port
January 22, 2016
Written by:
SHOLA ADEKOLA, Lagos
The
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a shipment
of Tramadol disguised as condoms and other illicit drugs at the Tin Can
Island Port, Lagos State.
Two importers who claimed to be pharmacists are also being
investigated in connection with the importation. Tramadol is a
prescription drug belonging to the class of opioid.
While the total weight of the seized drug is 3,078.56 kilogrammes, the drug was detected during physical examination at the port by the NDLEA and officials of other agencies.
Director of Operations and General Investigations of the agency, Mr. Olugbenga Mabo, said that prosecuting the suspects would address lack of respect for due process by professionals
NDLEA commander at the Tin Can Port, Mr. Nse Jack Inam, gave the names of the suspects as Onuchukwu Benjamin Owulu, 38, of Benow Pharmaceutical Impex Limited based in Lagos State and Igboanugo Vincent Tochukwu, 35, of Vingil Pharmaceuticals Limited, Asaba Delta State.
According to Nse, “the shipment of controlled drugs originated from India. Onuchukwu Benjamin Owulu imported 107 cartons of Tramanow, a brand of Tramadol weighing 1,078.56kgs while Igboanugo Vincent Tochukwu imported 250 cartons of Vingil Tramadol weighing 2,000kgs. Both suspects are being investigated.”
Preliminary investigation carried out by the agency’s Joint Task Force headed by Mr. Olumuyiwa Adeniyi revealed that both pharmaceutical companies did not obtain import permit for the said drug which is contrary to Section 11 subsection (a) of the NDLEA Act.
It was also gathered that the drugs were imported for illicit distribution as they were disguised with cartons of condoms and other pharmaceutical products.
Onuchukwu Benjamin, in his statement, said that he could not obtain import permit because of the strike embarked upon by staff of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
“I registered Benow Pharmaceuticals Impex Limited in 2009 and started business in 2010 as a qualified pharmacist. I began the process of importing this consignment in September 2015 and the goods arrived on 13th December, 2015 and my agent informed me of the challenge to obtain permit to import and clear the Tramanow.
"The strike action by staff of NAFDAC made it difficult for me to secure the necessary permit. I witnessed the search of the container in the presence of NDLEA officers and other security agencies at the port,” he stated.
The second suspect, Igboanugo Vincent, also told narcotic investigators that he had not obtained permit to import the said drug, saying: “I am a qualified pharmacist practicing in Asaba. However, I have not obtained the import and clearance permit for this shipment.”
While the total weight of the seized drug is 3,078.56 kilogrammes, the drug was detected during physical examination at the port by the NDLEA and officials of other agencies.
Director of Operations and General Investigations of the agency, Mr. Olugbenga Mabo, said that prosecuting the suspects would address lack of respect for due process by professionals
NDLEA commander at the Tin Can Port, Mr. Nse Jack Inam, gave the names of the suspects as Onuchukwu Benjamin Owulu, 38, of Benow Pharmaceutical Impex Limited based in Lagos State and Igboanugo Vincent Tochukwu, 35, of Vingil Pharmaceuticals Limited, Asaba Delta State.
According to Nse, “the shipment of controlled drugs originated from India. Onuchukwu Benjamin Owulu imported 107 cartons of Tramanow, a brand of Tramadol weighing 1,078.56kgs while Igboanugo Vincent Tochukwu imported 250 cartons of Vingil Tramadol weighing 2,000kgs. Both suspects are being investigated.”
Preliminary investigation carried out by the agency’s Joint Task Force headed by Mr. Olumuyiwa Adeniyi revealed that both pharmaceutical companies did not obtain import permit for the said drug which is contrary to Section 11 subsection (a) of the NDLEA Act.
It was also gathered that the drugs were imported for illicit distribution as they were disguised with cartons of condoms and other pharmaceutical products.
Onuchukwu Benjamin, in his statement, said that he could not obtain import permit because of the strike embarked upon by staff of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
“I registered Benow Pharmaceuticals Impex Limited in 2009 and started business in 2010 as a qualified pharmacist. I began the process of importing this consignment in September 2015 and the goods arrived on 13th December, 2015 and my agent informed me of the challenge to obtain permit to import and clear the Tramanow.
"The strike action by staff of NAFDAC made it difficult for me to secure the necessary permit. I witnessed the search of the container in the presence of NDLEA officers and other security agencies at the port,” he stated.
The second suspect, Igboanugo Vincent, also told narcotic investigators that he had not obtained permit to import the said drug, saying: “I am a qualified pharmacist practicing in Asaba. However, I have not obtained the import and clearance permit for this shipment.”
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