Police to hand hijacked tramadol to NAFDAC, charge suspects to court

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Alagbon, Lagos, has announced that it will return two trucks belonging to Manfes Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. which were hijacked by criminal suspects.

The trucks were transporting 5,000 rolls of Tramadol 100mg capsules and were hijacked shortly after clearing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, last year.

The suspects involved in diverting the consignment to an unknown location were arrested 12 months ago. The case includes charges of conspiracy, impersonation, hijacking, threats to life, theft, unlawful possession of narcotics, and actions endangering public health and safety.

An investigation was initiated following a petition submitted to the AIG FCID Annex Lagos by Nonso Henry Nwaebili, representing Manfes Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Anambra. The petition detailed an incident where a syndicate of suspected armed criminals, disguised in NDLEA jackets and military camouflage, impersonated officers from the NDLEA and military personnel to hijack the truck.

Detectives from the Anti-Fraud Section of FCID Annex Lagos launched an investigation after receiving the petition. A letter was sent to the Director of Ports Inspection at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Yaba, Lagos, requesting confirmation of the importation authorisation for Tramadol 100mg capsules by Manfes Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. NAFDAC confirmed on September 7, 2023, that the documents were in order.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Force CID Annex Alagbon Ikoyi Lagos, Aminat Mayegun, yesterday, said: “Further investigation revealed that James Casmir Achiborn, a spy police officer, was involved in escorting the hijacked trucks. Significant progress was made with the arrest of Mgbemena Innocent, whose information led to additional arrests connected to the narcotic substance.

“Subsequent investigations also uncovered the involvement of operatives from the CP Special Squad, Lagos State Command, who recovered part of the stolen Tramadol and apprehended individuals involved in its sale.

“Additional arrests were made based on credible intelligence on November 23, 2023. Those apprehended include Mgbemena Innocent, Anayo Benchuks Ambrose, Uche Frank, and Jemilu Chindo, who were engaged in a suspicious drug transaction in Festac Town, Lagos.”

When asked about the current status of the suspects, she said: “We will hand over the products to NAFDAC to confirm if the drugs are still good for use, and we will charge the suspects to court.”