The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 80-years-old ex-convict following the discovery of a large consignment of tramadol pills ingeniously concealed inside mannequins, the agency said on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, the suspect was apprehended during a coordinated intelligence-led operation by operatives of the agency, who intercepted the illicit consignment while it was being transported to its intended destination.

Babafemi said preliminary investigations revealed that the tramadol pills were carefully hidden inside life-size plastic mannequins in an attempt to evade detection by security agencies.

He noted that the unusual concealment method underscored the desperation and evolving tactics of drug trafficking networks in the country.

“The suspect, an octogenarian and an ex-convict, was arrested in connection with the seizure of the drug exhibits, which were found expertly concealed in mannequins.

This method was clearly intended to beat security checks,” Babafemi said.

He added that the recovered tramadol, a controlled opioid often abused by youths and criminals, posed a serious threat to public health and national security if allowed to circulate freely in communities.

NDLEA officials disclosed that the suspect had previously served a jail term for drug-related offences and was believed to be working with a wider syndicate involved in the importation and distribution of pharmaceutical opioids across several states.

The agency said the exhibits had been documented, while the suspect was undergoing further interrogation to unravel the full extent of the drug trafficking network and identify other accomplices.

Babafemi reiterated the commitment of the NDLEA, under the leadership of its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), to sustain aggressive actions against drug abuse and trafficking, regardless of the age, status or background of those involved.

He warned that the agency would not relent in deploying intelligence, technology and inter-agency collaboration to dismantle drug cartels and protect Nigerians from the dangers associated with illicit drugs.

The NDLEA urged members of the public to support its operations by providing timely and credible information on suspicious drug-related activities in their communities.