Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 43,980 capsules of tramadol concealed inside two large vehicle fuel tanks in what the agency described as a sophisticated attempt to traffic illicit drugs across the country.

The NDLEA disclosed this in a statement on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, who said the suspect travelled to Onitsha, Anambra State, to purchase the fuel tanks solely for the purpose of hiding and transporting the narcotics.

According to Babafemi, the suspect carefully stuffed the tramadol capsules inside the fuel tanks and successfully passed through multiple security checkpoints while transporting the consignment from Anambra State.

However, the operation was cut short when NDLEA operatives intercepted and arrested him in the Wukari area of Taraba State, where officers discovered the concealed drugs.

"So a merchant of death travelled to Onitsha, Anambra State to buy the two big vehicle fuel tanks not to sell or use in his vehicle but solely for the purpose of concealing illicit drugs," Babafemi said.

"With 43,980 capsules of tramadol neatly stuffed in the fuel tanks, he was able to beat security checks all the way from Anambra up to Wukari area of Taraba State, where he was eventually arrested by NDLEA officers who uncovered his lid."

The agency said the seizure highlights the evolving methods employed by drug traffickers to evade law enforcement, while reiterating its commitment to disrupting the illicit drug trade across Nigeria.