Tramadol Dealer Linked to Northern Bandits Arrested in Anambra

 

AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE 

The Nigeria Police Force has raised fresh concerns over the link between drug trafficking and violent crimes after the arrest of a suspected drug dealer allegedly supplying Tramadol to criminal elements operating in parts of northern Nigeria.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South-East, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, disclosed this during a stakeholders' security engagement held in Awka on Tuesday.

According to the DIG, the suspect was arrested with 100 rolls of 225mg Tramadol, a highly abused opioid often associated with criminal activities and substance addiction.

Investigations, he said, revealed that many of the suspect's customers were bandits operating in Kaduna, Benue and Kano states.

“A suspect was recently arrested with 100 rolls of 225mg Tramadol. There was a revelation that many of his customers were bandits operating in Kaduna, Benue and Kano,” Onwuemelie disclosed.

He described the development as a serious intelligence concern that highlights the growing connection between illicit drug networks and organised criminal groups across the country.

The DIG called for stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies, intelligence organisations and state governments to disrupt supply chains feeding criminal activities.

He warned that the proliferation of hard drugs continues to fuel insecurity by empowering kidnappers, armed robbers and bandit groups.

Onwuemelie also revealed that police operations in Anambra had recently led to the arrest of armed robbery suspects, recovery of stolen vehicles and seizure of illegal firearms.

He stressed that sustained intelligence gathering and public support remain crucial to tackling both drug trafficking and violent crime.

According to him, the police will continue to strengthen intelligence operations and collaborate with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks threatening public safety.

The revelation comes amid growing national concerns over the role of illicit drugs in financing and sustaining organised crime across several parts of Nigeria.