NDLEA Secures Forfeiture of #33.6bn Opioids Seized at Onne Port
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded another major breakthrough in its crackdown on drug cartels after the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, granted an interim forfeiture order for 17 containers loaded with illicit opioids valued at over N33.6 billion.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the containers were intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State, on various dates between April and September 2025.
According to the statement, the seized containers held a massive consignment of 19.6 million pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol, and Carisoprodol, alongside 2,496,400 bottles of Codeine Syrup. The total estimated street value of the haul stands at N33,691,200,000.
The interim forfeiture order was granted by Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, following an ex-parte motion filed by the NDLEA on February 10, 2026, in suit number FHC/PH/MISC/25/2026.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Mohammed ordered the interim forfeiture of the 17 containers to the Federal Government of Nigeria, noting that they contained 365,657 kilograms of various psychotropic substances illegally imported into the country through Onne Seaport by unidentified persons.
The court also vested custody and possession of the containers and their contents in the NDLEA pending the final determination of the case.
Reacting to the ruling, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the forfeiture as a devastating blow to the financial backbone of the criminal syndicates involved.
“This is not just a seizure; it is a total dispossession of the resources the drug cartels intended to use in destroying the lives of our youths and funding further criminality. By stripping them of assets worth over N33.6 billion, we have struck at the heart of their operations,” Marwa said.
He added that the action sends a strong warning that Nigeria will not allow the proceeds of drug trafficking to finance terrorism or other criminal activities.
Marwa also commended the judiciary for its prompt intervention, describing collaboration between the courts and the anti-narcotics agency as vital in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
He further praised NDLEA officers, especially personnel of the Onne Port Command, for their vigilance, professionalism, and sharp scrutiny that led to the discovery of the concealed drugs.
The NDLEA chairman also acknowledged the support of sister security agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), as well as other port stakeholders and international partners whose intelligence sharing and technical assistance continue to strengthen the agency’s operations.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country.