The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has seized approximately 3.18 million capsules suspected to be Pregabalin during an intelligence-led operation in Sabon Gari, Fagge Local Government Area of the state.
The operation also led to the arrest of a 34-year-old man identified as Gregory Ogbuji, while another suspect allegedly connected to the illegal drug operation remains at large.
The seizure was carried out by operatives of the task force’s newly established Rapid Response Squad, less than 24 hours after Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, commissioned the unit to strengthen the fight against drug abuse, illicit trafficking and other related criminal activities.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by Lamara Garba, Secretary of the task force’s Media and Publicity Committee, the operation followed credible intelligence received through one of the reporting platforms connected to the task force’s command and call centre.
Acting on the information, operatives raided a residential apartment at No. 13 Apple Avenue, Normansland, Sabon Gari, in Fagge Local Government Area, where they recovered approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin.
The arrested suspect was alleged to have links with SEEMARK PHARMA LTD, registered under number 2012546. The task force said he had been charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the second suspect.
The Chairman of the task force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, described the seizure as a significant early achievement of the Rapid Response Squad, saying it demonstrated the importance of intelligence gathering and effective communication between residents and security agencies.
He expressed concern over the increasing abuse of Pregabalin in Kano State, noting that the task force’s operational records indicated that approximately eight out of every 10 drug-related operations involved individuals dependent on or abusing the substance.
According to him, the situation poses a serious public health and security challenge, requiring sustained enforcement, public vigilance and stronger community participation.
The task force said the Rapid Response Squad was established and equipped to provide swift responses to reports of drug abuse, illicit trafficking, thuggery and other related criminal activities.
Rimin Gado warned individuals and groups involved in the illegal drug trade to desist, assuring residents that the task force would continue to enforce the law without fear or favour.
He also urged members of the public to make use of the task force’s reporting platforms and command and call centre to provide credible information about suspected drug trafficking, substance abuse and other criminal activities.
The latest seizure comes amid intensified efforts by the Kano State Government to tackle substance abuse and its associated social challenges.
In September, the task force reported arresting more than 380 suspects and securing over 230 convictions within two months of its inauguration. It also disclosed the seizure of approximately 870,000 Pregabalin capsules from a pharmaceutical company over suspected diversion for illicit use.
The latest operation is expected to strengthen the state’s enforcement campaign, although the investigation into the recovered drugs and the alleged involvement of the suspects remains ongoing.