NDLEA Secures Forfeiture of N33.6 Billion Opioids Intercepted at Onne Port
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has achieved a significant legal victory in its relentless campaign against drug trafficking syndicates. The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim forfeiture order for 17 containers loaded with illicit opioids, with an estimated street value exceeding N33.6 billion. These containers were intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State, on various dates throughout 2025.
Details of the Massive Seizure
The seized containers held a staggering quantity of dangerous substances, including:
- 19,600,000 pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol, and Carisoprodol
- 2,496,400 bottles of Codeine syrup
The combined street value of these illicit drugs is precisely estimated at N33,691,200,000, representing one of the largest forfeitures in recent Nigerian anti-drug operations.
Legal Proceedings and Court Order
The forfeiture order was granted by Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. This decision followed a motion ex parte filed by the NDLEA on February 10, 2026, under suit number FHC/PH/MISC/25/2026. Justice Adamu ordered the interim forfeiture of the containers and their contents to the Federal Government of Nigeria, pending the final determination of the case.
NDLEA Leadership's Response
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retired), described the forfeiture as a devastating blow to the financial capabilities of criminal organizations. He emphasized that this action goes beyond mere seizure, representing a complete dispossession of resources that drug cartels intended to use for destructive purposes.
"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," Marwa stated. "By stripping the criminal syndicates of assets worth over N33.6 billion, we have struck at the heart of their operations. This sends a clear message: the Nigerian state will not allow the proceeds of death to circulate to fund terrorism and other forms of criminality in our country."
Acknowledgments and Collaborative Efforts
Marwa commended the judiciary for its crucial support and timely intervention, highlighting the essential partnership between the judicial system and law enforcement agencies in combating substance abuse and drug trafficking. He specifically praised the vigilance and professionalism of NDLEA officers, particularly those stationed at the Onne Port Command, for their role in uncovering the concealed drugs.
The NDLEA chairman also acknowledged the valuable collaboration of sister security agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other port stakeholders who contributed to the successful interdiction process. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to international partners for their intelligence sharing and technical support, which significantly enhanced the agency's operational effectiveness.
Marwa reaffirmed the agency's unwavering commitment to dismantling drug networks across Nigeria, stating that this forfeiture represents a major step forward in protecting Nigerian youth and communities from the devastating effects of drug abuse and the criminal enterprises that profit from it.
