Kano-based patent medicine dealer
has been sentenced to a four-year prison term with an option of N450,000 fine
for stockpiling a large consignment of Tramadol Hydrochloride.
Gerald Ohuruzo, 42, was arrested at
the Sabon Gari market after his secret warehouse was discovered by officials of
the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency working on a tip-off.
Mr. Ohuruzo pleaded guilty on Monday
before Judge F.O Riman, the anti-narcotics agency said in a statement Friday.
“The recovered drugs in his
warehouse weighed 1,369 kilogrammes,” Hamza Umar, the NDLEA Kano State
Commander said in the statement. The command had earlier detected a warehouse
where Tramadol Hydrochloride weighing 6,264kg was seized. Our investigators are
working towards a safe and drug-free society,” the statement said.
Tramadol, a prescription drug for
pain relief, is one of the most abused drugs in northern Nigeria.
Mr. Ohuruzo, who hails from
Imo State, said he was involved in dealing in Tramadol due to its high demand
in the city.
“This is a mistake on my part,” said
the father of four.
“Though I began to deal in Tramadol
due to the high demand, I should have resisted the temptation to sell such
drugs. I have never been arrested and I feel very bad.”
Roli Bode-George, NDLEA’s Acting
Chairman, said the large seizures of narcotic drugs in Kano was worrisome and
the agency would begin enlightenment campaign programmes soon.
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