The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has made a significant seizure of approximately 3.18 million capsules suspected to be pregabalin in Sabon Gari. This operation occurred just 24 hours after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf launched the Rapid Response Squad. According to a statement issued by Lamara Garba, Secretary of the task force's Media and Publicity Committee, the seizure was made possible by intelligence received through one of the reporting platforms connected to the task force's command and call centre.
Acting on the information, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad raided a residential apartment at No. 13 Apple Avenue, Nomansland, Sabon Gari, in Fagge Local Government Area. The apartment was suspected to be used for illegal activities. During the operation, the task force recovered the large quantity of suspected pregabalin capsules and arrested a 34-year-old man identified as Gregory Ogbuji. The suspect is allegedly associated with Seemark Pharma Ltd, registered under number 2012546.
The task force chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, described the seizure as an important early achievement of the newly established Rapid Response Squad. He emphasized that the operation demonstrated the importance of using intelligence and strengthening communication between residents and security agencies. This seizure is a significant blow to illicit drug activities in Kano State, where pregabalin has become one of the most commonly abused drugs.
According to the task force, about eight out of every 10 drug-related operations involve people dependent on or abusing pregabalin. The situation has been described as a major public health and security concern. The task force stressed that continued enforcement and public cooperation are necessary to tackle drug abuse and illegal trafficking. The operation is among the first major results of the Rapid Response Squad, established to respond quickly to reports of drug abuse and related crimes.
Another suspect believed to be connected to the operation is still at large. The arrested suspect, Gregory Ogbuji, has been charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code. The task force has warned individuals and groups involved in illegal drug activities to stop, assuring residents that the task force would continue to enforce the law without fear or favour.
The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has been working to address the issue of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state. The establishment of the Rapid Response Squad is part of the efforts to respond quickly to reports of drug-related crimes. The task force has called for continued public cooperation to tackle the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The seizure of 3.18 million suspected pregabalin capsules is a significant achievement for the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The task force has demonstrated its commitment to enforcing the law and addressing the issue of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state. The public has been assured that the task force will continue to work to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Key points
- The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking seized approximately 3.18 million capsules suspected to be pregabalin in Sabon Gari.
