Kano Task Force Seizes 3.18 Million Pregabalin Capsules, Arrests Suspect

The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has seized approximately 3.18 million capsules suspected to be Pregabalin and arrested a 34-year-old man in the Sabon Gari area of Kano.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Task Force’s Media and Publicity Committee, Lamara Garba, mnipr, following an intelligence-led operation carried out barely 24 hours after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf commissioned the state’s Rapid Response Squad.

According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence received through one of the reporting platforms linked to the Task Force’s Command and Call Centre.

Acting on the information, operatives searched a residential apartment at No. 13 Apple Avenue, Normansland, Sabon Gari, in Fagge Local Government Area, where they recovered the suspected drugs.

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The operation also led to the arrest of a 34-year-old man identified as Gregory Ogbuji, who is suspected of having links with SEEMARK PHARMA LTD, registered under number 2012546.

The suspect has been charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code, while another person allegedly connected to the operation is currently at large.

The Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, described the seizure as a significant early achievement of the Rapid Response Squad, noting that it demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and effective communication between residents and security agencies.

He said Pregabalin had emerged as one of the most widely abused drugs in Kano State, adding that the Task Force’s operational experience indicated that approximately eight out of every 10 drug-related operations involved suspects dependent on or abusing the substance.

Magaji described the development as a serious public health and security concern, stressing the need for sustained enforcement, public vigilance and stronger community cooperation to address substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

He explained that the Rapid Response Squad was established and equipped to provide coordinated and swift responses to reports of drug abuse, illicit trafficking, thuggery and other related criminal activities.

The Task Force chairman warned individuals and groups involved in the illicit drug trade to desist, assuring residents that the agency would continue to take firm action against offenders without fear or favour.

He also appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and support, urging residents to make effective use of the Task Force’s reporting platforms and Command and Call Centre to provide credible information on suspected drug trafficking, substance abuse, thuggery and other criminal activities.

He maintained that public cooperation remained essential to strengthening security and advancing the state government’s Kano First agenda.