The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has secured an interim forfeiture order for 17 containers loaded with illicit opioids valued at over N33.6 billion, following a ruling by the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt.
The development was disclosed by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, who said the containers were intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State, on multiple dates between April and September 2025.
According to the agency, the seized consignments contained 19.6 million pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol, and Carisoprodol, as well as 2,496,400 bottles of codeine syrup, with a combined estimated street value of N33,691,200,000.
The forfeiture order was granted by Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed after an ex parte motion filed by the NDLEA on February 10, 2026. In his ruling, the judge ordered that the 17 containers, comprising 365,657 kilograms of various psychotropic substances illegally imported through the Onne seaport, be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The court also directed that custody of the containers and their contents remain with the NDLEA pending the final determination of the case.
Reacting to the ruling, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the forfeiture as a major blow to drug trafficking networks.
He stated that the action goes beyond a routine seizure, noting that it effectively strips criminal syndicates of resources intended to fuel further illegal activities, including drug abuse and other forms of organized crime.
Marwa said the outcome underscores the determination of the Nigerian government to prevent illicit drug proceeds from circulating within the country, particularly where such funds could support criminal operations.
He commended the judiciary for granting the order, emphasizing that collaboration between law enforcement and the courts remains essential in tackling drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The NDLEA boss also praised officers of the Onne Port Command for their vigilance and professionalism, as well as the support of other agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, whose cooperation contributed to the successful interception.
He further acknowledged the role of international partners in providing intelligence and technical support, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks across the country.
