The Tramadol, a prescription drug
belonging to the class of opioid, which was said to have been unlawfully
imported, was allegedly brought in by two pharmacists identified as
Onuchukwu Owulu, 38, of Benow Pharmaceutical Impex Limited, Lagos ,and
Igboanugo Tochukwu, 35, of Vingil Pharmaceuticals Limited, Asaba.
According to the spokesperson for the
agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the drugs were detected during physical
examination at the port by NDLEA officials.
Ofoyeju, who said abuse of Tramadol has
been reported among youths across the country, stated that the drugs
were imported without permits by the relevant authorities, an infraction
of Section 11 (a) of the NDLEA Act.
“It was also gathered that the drugs
were imported for illicit distribution as they were disguised as cartons
of condoms and other licit pharmaceutical products.
“The discovery of the drugs was made
during examination of the container prior to delivery at their preferred
destination outside the port. In addition, the companies could not
produce either import or clearance permit for the said drugs,” said
Ofoyeju.
Quoting the Director, Operations and
General Investigation, NDLEA, Olugbenga Mabo, Ofoyeju said the
prosecution of the suspects will address the lack of repect for due
process by professionals.
“We have observed an infringement of the
law with adverse consequences on the nation. The drugs were imported
without permit by the relevant authorities. Prosecuting the suspects
will serve as a warning to others. The case has been assigned to the
Joint Task Force of the Agency for investigation,” quoted Ofoyeju.
The agency’s Commander at the port, Nse
Inam said: “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.”
In his statement, Owolu said he couldn’t
get import permit as a result of the strike action embarked on by
employees of the 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 December 13.
“My agent informed me of the challenge
to obtain the permit to import and clear the Tramanow. The strike action
by staff of the 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.
Credit: The Nation
Credit: The Nation
Igboanugo, according to the NDLEA, also admitted he did not get the necessary permit before importation.
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