By Oluwakemi Kindness
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has recorded a major breakthrough in its war against illicit drugs, securing a court-ordered forfeiture of narcotics worth over ₦33.6 billion intercepted at the Onne Port in Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the agency confirms that the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt granted an interim forfeiture order covering 17 containers loaded with banned opioids.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed, empowers the Federal Government to take temporary ownership of the seized consignments while the case awaits final determination.
A Major Blow to Drug Syndicates
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the forfeiture as a decisive strike against criminal networks fueling drug abuse and insecurity.
“This is not just a seizure; it is a total dispossession of resources meant to destroy lives and fund criminality,” Marwa said. “By stripping these syndicates of over ₦33.6 billion, we have struck at the heart of their operations.”
He stressed that the action sends a strong warning that Nigeria will not allow proceeds from illicit drugs to finance crime or terrorism.
Details of the Seizure
The containers, intercepted between April and September 2025 at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, were found to contain a massive cache of opioids, including:
19.6 million pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol, and Carisoprodol
2.49 million bottles of Codeine syrup
The total estimated street value of the drugs stands at ₦33.69 billion, making it one of the largest single forfeitures secured by the agency in recent times.
Court Orders and Next Steps
In granting the application, the court ordered that the 17 containers and their illicit contents be forfeited to the Federal Government, while also directing the NDLEA to retain custody pending the final outcome of the case.
The judge noted that the substances were illegally imported into Nigeria through the Onne seaport by yet-to-be-identified individuals.
Collaboration Drives Success
Marwa commended the role of key stakeholders in achieving the milestone, including the judiciary for its swift intervention, NDLEA operatives for their vigilance, and the Nigeria Customs Service for its collaboration.
He also acknowledged the support of international partners who provided critical intelligence that aided the operation.
Reaffirming the agency’s resolve, Marwa stated that the NDLEA will continue to intensify efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and safeguard public health and national security.
