Nalerigu Court orders tramadol destroyed and jails offenders

The Nalerigu Circuit Court has ordered the destruction of a large quantity of confiscated Tramadol and issued heavy penalties to individuals found guilty of possessing the restricted drug.

The ruling, delivered by His Honour Francis Ayamwuni Asobayire, reflects a firm commitment to enforcing the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 and tackling the spread of illegal substances in the North East Region.

The court concluded several cases linked to the unlawful possession of Tramadol.

In the first case, Abdul Ganiu Atibela Kutam, a 30-year-old nurse, was convicted of holding nine boxes of Tramadol without lawful authority.

He was fined 3000 penalty units and ordered to sign a bond of good behaviour. If he fails to pay, he will serve a 10-year prison term.

In the second case, farmer Mumuni Iddrisu and driver’s mate Alhassan Braimah were found guilty of conspiracy and unlawful possession.

They were arrested after authorities discovered 1520 boxes of Tramadol Hydrochloride and thousands of sachets hidden in yellow gallons.

Both men received 10-year prison sentences and fines of 5000 penalty units, with an additional 10 years of imprisonment if they default.

The third case involved 37 year 37-year-old porter, Salisu Adam, who was convicted of possessing several boxes and sachets of Tramadol Hydrochloride.

He was fined 2000 penalty units and faces nine years in jail if he cannot pay, along with a 24-month bond of good behaviour.

All seized Tramadol has been scheduled for destruction under supervision to ensure it does not re-enter the market.

North East Regional Commander for the Narcotics Control Commission, Sadiq Miqdad, praised the coordinated effort and said, “We rely on community support, and we urge the public to keep assisting us as we work to reduce drug-related activities”.