This drug, which is reported to be 100 times stronger than Tramadol, has the potential to cause mass casualties among the targeted youth population.
In a statement released by the agency's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, it was revealed that the arrest of Odoh Collins Oguejiofor and Oliver Chigozie Uzoma took place at Ogbogwu market, Onitsha Head Bridge, Onitsha South LGA, Anambra State.
This operation was carried out following an alert issued by the NDLEA regarding the plans of criminal elements to flood the Nigerian market with Fentanyl.
The drug is responsible for over 70% of overdose deaths and contributes significantly to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Fentanyl is 80 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than heroin.
The NDLEA, in collaboration with local and international partners, mobilised the necessary assets to trace the illicitly manufactured drug to the Ogbogwu market. The market is reputed to be the largest drug market in West Africa. After months of undercover monitoring, the agency gathered sufficient evidence to apprehend the suspects.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, ordered the deployment of operatives to apprehend members of the syndicate one by one. Odoh Collins Oguejiofor, who was found in possession of packets of 100 micrograms of Fentanyl, was the first to be arrested. Subsequently, Uzoma, a major dealer in illicitly manufactured pharmaceutical opioids including Fentanyl, was also apprehended.
During the operation, packs of liquid Fentanyl were recovered from Odoh, while Uzoma was found in possession of various quantities of banned and controlled drugs, including Fentanyl.
The seized drugs included Ampules of Fentanyl Injection, Ozempic solution for injection in pre-filled pens, Ampules of Sustanon 250mg/ml, Ampules of Rivavirin injection 200mg/2ml, Ampules of Erythropoietin injection, Ampules of Recombinant Anti Rho-D Immunoglobulin injection 300MG, Ampules of Pethidine 100mg/2ml solution for injection, and Zoladex 3.6mg Goserelin.
In response to the arrest of the syndicate members, Marwa commended the officers and men of the agency involved in the operation and directed them to intensify the crackdown on other cartel members who may have gone into hiding. He emphasised the agency's commitment to hunting down every member of the criminal gang to protect public health, particularly the youth population.
Marwa also expressed gratitude to international partners for their confidence and support in the agency's efforts. He urged parents and stakeholders to remain vigilant, and alert, and caution their young ones against experimenting with this illicit substance.
The NDLEA reiterates that exposure to this lethal opioid, which can take different forms as demonstrated by the seizure, may result in pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow and shallow breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, limp body, and pale, blue, or cold skin.