NDLEA warns public about new deadly drug, Fentanyl

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has learned of individuals’ plans to bring Fentanyl, an illegal substance, onto the Nigerian market.

This was announced by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

The NDLEA stated that Fentanyl was 100 times stronger than Tramadol and issued a warning that the illegally produced drug could result in a large number of fatalities among the youth population that the cartels are targeting.

The drug now accounts for more than 70% of overdose deaths. Also, it is a significant factor in both fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US. The NDLEA warned that it must not be permitted to circulate in Nigeria due to its lethality and current drug misuse.

NDLEA said, “We are not unaware of desperate efforts by some drug cartels to introduce to the Nigerian market, Fentanyl; which according to the CDC, is 80 times as potent as morphine and 100 times more potent than heroin.

“This, they plan to do either in liquid or powder form and/or with misleading labels to target our youth population.

“This they may also mix with other prescription drugs. The illegally manufactured fentanyl in its liquid form can come in nasal sprays, eye drops, or small candies.

“As a result, parents and other stakeholders are advised to be vigilant; alert, and warn their young ones against attempting to experiment with this illicit substance. Symptoms for fentanyl exposure and/or overdose include pinpoint pupils, falling asleep or losing consciousness, slow and shallow breathing; choking or gurgling sounds, limp body, and pale, blue, or cold skin.”

The agency assured the public that all necessary assets had been deployed to monitor the cartels involved; with a view to frustrating their criminal plot and making them face the wrath of the law.