Kano Task Force Seizes 3.18m Suspected Pregabalin Capsules in Sabon Gari

The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has seized approximately 3.18 million capsules suspected to be Pregabalin in Sabon Gari, Kano, less than 24 hours after the launch of its Rapid Response Squad.

The seizure followed credible intelligence received through one of the Task Force’s reporting platforms, shortly after Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf commissioned the Rapid Response Squad to strengthen the fight against drug abuse, illicit trafficking and other related crimes in the state.

The Task Force, in a statement issued by its Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee, Lamara Garba, said operatives acted on the intelligence and searched a residential apartment at No. 13 Apple Avenue, Normansland, Sabon Gari, in Fagge Local Government Area.

It said the operation led to the recovery of approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin and the arrest of a 34-year-old man, identified as Gregory Ogbuji.

According to the statement, the suspect was allegedly associated with SEEMARK PHARMA LTD, registered under number 2012546, and had been charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code, while another suspect allegedly linked to the operation remained 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, demonstrating the importance of intelligence-led operations and effective collaboration between residents and law enforcement agencies.

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

The chairman described the trend as a serious public health and security concern, stressing the need for sustained enforcement, public vigilance and community cooperation to address drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

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

Rimin Gado also appreciated residents for their prayers, cooperation and support, urging them to utilise the Task Force’s reporting platforms and Command and Call Centre to provide credible information on suspected drug abuse, trafficking, thuggery and other criminal activities.

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