The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria has been actively working to combat the illegal trafficking of controlled substances. In a recent operation, the NDLEA intercepted a significant quantity of pregabalin capsules, a drug with both legitimate medical uses and a high potential for abuse. Following the seizure, the NDLEA handed over 450,000 capsules to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
This handover highlights the collaborative efforts between different government agencies in Nigeria to curb the spread of illicit drugs. The NDLEA’s role is to intercept and seize these substances, while NAFDAC is responsible for regulating and ensuring the proper use of pharmaceutical products.
What is Pregabalin?
Pregabalin is a prescription medication used to treat various conditions, including:
- Neuropathic pain (nerve pain) associated with diabetes, shingles, or spinal cord injury.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Epilepsy (to help control seizures).
- Generalized anxiety disorder.
Why is it a Controlled Substance?
Despite its therapeutic benefits, pregabalin is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, due to its potential for misuse and abuse. It can produce a sense of euphoria or a “high,” particularly when taken in high doses or combined with other drugs like opioids. This has led to a growing problem of recreational use and addiction, with an increase in overdose deaths linked to the drug.
The reclassification of pregabalin as a controlled substance in various countries aims to introduce stricter controls on its prescription, dispensing, and distribution to prevent its diversion from legitimate medical channels into the illegal market.
