Abuja, September 14, 2025
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a major consignment of tramadol worth over ₦3.9 billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, leading to the arrest of an Indian drug baron, Gupta Ravi Kumar, and three Nigerian suspects.
NDLEA Lagos Tramadol Bust Details
According to a statement by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, the seizure involved 2,248,000 pills of tramadol (200mg/225mg) concealed in 114 cartons falsely labeled as multi-vitamins.
The illicit shipment originated from Delhi, India, and arrived in Nigeria aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on Monday, September 8, 2025.
NDLEA operatives, who had placed the consignment under surveillance, moved in on a clearing agent and two truck drivers attempting to move the drugs from the airport on Thursday, September 11.
A follow-up operation on Friday, September 12, led to the arrest of the alleged kingpin, Indian businessman Gupta Kumar, as he attempted to take delivery of the consignment.
The three Nigerians arrested alongside Kumar were identified as Ogunlana Olanrewaju, Olushola Kayode, and Bakare Muheeb.
More Drug Interceptions at Lagos Airport
Babafemi further disclosed that NDLEA operatives at MMIA Terminal 2 departure gate intercepted another suspect, Onyeganochi Ifeanyi, on Sunday, September 7, as he attempted to board a Qatar Airways flight to Doha.
A search of his bag uncovered 900 grams of skunk (a potent strain of cannabis) concealed in crayfish.
Ifeanyi, a first-time traveler, confessed that the bag was handed to him by a Qatar-based Nigerian, Ohadiegwu Uchenna, who was later arrested at the airport.
A subsequent search of Uchenna’s hotel room in Ajao Estate, Lagos uncovered an additional 200 grams of skunk. Investigations revealed that Uchenna intended to retrieve the bag in Doha if the unsuspecting Ifeanyi had cleared airport checks.
NDLEA Chairman Commends Operatives
NDLEA Chairman, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, commended the agency’s officers in Lagos, including those from MMIA, DOGI, and Tincan Commands, for their successful operations.
Marwa urged NDLEA operatives nationwide to maintain their balanced approach in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse, stressing that the agency remains committed to dismantling drug cartels and protecting public health. GMTNewsng
