The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nasarawa State has arrested a suspected drug baron who was caught with 108 cartons of tramadol.

Mr Sumaila Ethan, the state Commander of the agency, told newsmen in Lafia on Friday that the seized drug weighed 2,873 kilogrammes.

He said the suspect was arrested with the drug at a warehouse in Masaka, Karu Local Government Area of the state, on Dec. 7 after being tracked for almost two months.

The commander explained that tramadol is an opiate drug similar to heroin in its addictive nature.

He expressed regrets that the drug had become the most abused psychoactive substance, especially among youths in the state.

“The youths, unaware of its destructive effects, have made it a drug of choice for euphoric pleasure.

“Hardly can you search a commercial motorcyclist, tricycle operator or driver and not recover some tablets of high dose, abused and banned tramadol,” Ethan said.

The NDLEA official said that with the large seizure, a significant percentage of the drug would be out of circulation during the Yuletide in the state.

He also noted that crime rate would drop in the state as drug abuse had been identified as a major contributory factor in the perpetration of crimes.

Ethan admonished the youths to steer clear of drugs and other psychotropic substances to enable them to live meaningful lives.

He said the suspect would be taken to court as soon as investigation was concluded on the matter.

The suspect, however, declined comments when approached by newsmen, insisting his lawyer must be present for him to speak on the incident. (NAN)