Pharmacists arrested over possession of Tramadol

Two pharmacists have been arrested for possessing controlled drug - Tramadol

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reportedly arrested two men has for a shipment of Tramadol disguised and packaged as condoms and other illicit drugs at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.

38-years-old Onuchukwu Owulu of Benow Pharmaceutical Impex Limited based in Lagos and 35-years Igboanugo Tochukwu of Vingil Pharmaceuticals Limited, in Asaba were reported to have unlawfully imported 3,078.56kg Tramadol shipment from India.

Confirming the arrest by the NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Ofoyeju Mitchell, the drug was detected during a physical examination at the port.

“We have observed an infringement of laws 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.” Says NDLEA Director of Operations Mr. Olugbenga Mabo.

It was also gathered, 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.

“I registered Benow Pharmaceuticals Impex Limited in 2009 and I 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, 2015 and my agent informed me of the challenge of obtaining a permit to import and clear the Tramadol.

The strike 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,” says Owulu

“I am a qualified pharmacist practicing in Asaba. However, I have not obtained the import and clearance permit for this shipment,” says Tochukwu.

Both suspects are still in the custody of the agency and will be prosecuted soon.

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