The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has seized approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin in the Sabon Gari, Fagge local government area of Kano State.
This is contained in a statement by the Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee of the agency, Lamara Garba, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Saturday.
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“Barely 24 hours after Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, commissioned the Rapid Response Squad, the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has seized approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin in the Sabon Gari area of Kano State,” it said.
According to the statement, the seizure followed credible intelligence received through one of the reporting platforms linked to the Task Force Command and Call Centre, just hours after the Rapid Response Squad was officially launched by the governor.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Squad identified and searched a residential apartment at No. 13 Apple Avenue, Normansland, Sabon Gari, in Fagge Local Government Area, which was suspected to be used for illicit activities,” it said.
It added that during the operation, the operatives recovered approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin and arrested a 34-year-old man identified as Gregory Ogbuji.
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The suspect, who is suspected to be associated with SEEMARK PHARMA LTD, registered under number 2012546, has been charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code. Another suspect allegedly connected to the operation is currently at large.
The Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Rimin Gado,described the seizure as a significant early result of the Rapid Response Squad, stressing that it demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and effective communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.
“Pregabalin has emerged as one of the most widely abused drugs in Kano State. Its operational experience indicates that approximately eight out of every 10 drug-related operations involve suspects dependent on or abusing Pregabalin,” the statement added.
The Chairman warned individuals and groups involved in the illicit drug trade to desist, assuring residents that the Task Force would continue to take firm action against offenders without fear or favour.
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He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their cooperation and continued support, urging residents to make full use of the task force’s reporting platforms and call centre to provide credible information on suspected drug abuse, trafficking, thuggery and other criminal activities.
He said the cooperation of residents remained essential to strengthening public safety and advancing the state government’s “Kano First” agenda.
