The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has secured an interim forfeiture order on 17 containers of illicit opioids worth over N33.6 billion intercepted at the Onne Port in Rivers State.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Tuesday that the containers were seized at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, on different dates between April and September 2025. They contained 19.6 million pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, as well as 2,496,400 bottles of codeine syrup, with a combined street value estimated at N33,691,200,000.
The interim forfeiture order was granted by Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, following a motion ex parte filed by the NDLEA on February 10, 2026, in suit number FHC/PH/MISC/25/2026.
In his ruling, Justice Mohammed ordered that the 17 shipping containers, holding a total of 365,675 kilograms of various psychotropic substances and other listed items, be forfeited in the interim to the Federal Government of Nigeria. He also directed that custody and possession of the containers and their contents remain with the NDLEA until the final determination of the case.
Reacting to the court’s decision, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) described the order as a death knell for the financial nerves of the drug cartels involved. He said the forfeiture completely strips the criminal syndicates of resources they intended to use to destroy lives, fund terrorism and support other forms of organised crime.
Marwa stressed that the ruling sends a clear signal that the Nigerian state will not allow the proceeds of drug trafficking to circulate in the economy or bankroll insecurity.
He commended the judiciary for its timely intervention and consistent support, saying the partnership between the courts and the agency is crucial to winning the war against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The NDLEA boss also praised officers at the Onne Port Command for their vigilance and professionalism, which led to the discovery and seizure of the concealed consignments. He equally acknowledged the cooperation of the Nigeria Customs Service, other port stakeholders and international partners whose intelligence and technical support were key to the successful interdiction.
Marwa reiterated that the agency remains committed to dismantling drug networks across Nigeria and will continue to pursue both seizures and asset forfeiture to weaken criminal cartels.
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