Court Orders Forfeiture of N33.6bn Opioids Seized at Onne Port

By Abah Margaret

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured a major breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking, following a court order forfeiting illicit opioids worth over ₦33.6 billion to the Federal Government.

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt granted an interim forfeiture order on 17 containers loaded with banned substances intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State.

According to the NDLEA, the containers were seized on multiple dates between April and September 2025, containing a massive consignment of illicit drugs, including 19.6 million pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol, and Carisoprodol, as well as 2,496,400 bottles of Codeine syrup.

The agency put the combined street value of the drugs at ₦33,691,200,000.

The forfeiture order was issued by Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed following an ex parte motion filed by the NDLEA on February 10, 2026, in suit number FHC/PH/MISC/25/2026.

Ruling on the application, the judge ordered the interim forfeiture of the 17 containers, which contained a total of 365,657 kilograms of various psychotropic substances illegally imported into Nigeria through the Onne Seaport by unidentified persons.

The court further directed that custody of the seized containers and their contents be vested in the NDLEA pending the final determination of the case.

Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the forfeiture as a significant blow to drug trafficking networks.

“This is not just a seizure; it is a total dispossession of the resources drug cartels intended to use in destroying lives and funding further criminal activities,” he said.

“By stripping these syndicates of assets worth over ₦33.6 billion, we have struck at the heart of their operations. This sends a strong message that Nigeria will not allow proceeds of illicit drugs to fuel terrorism and other crimes.”

Marwa commended the judiciary for its support and timely intervention, noting that collaboration between the courts and law enforcement agencies remains vital in tackling drug-related crimes.

He also praised NDLEA officers, particularly those at the Onne Port Command, for their vigilance and professionalism in uncovering the concealed drugs.

The NDLEA boss further acknowledged the contributions of sister agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), port authorities, and international partners for their intelligence sharing and cooperation.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and curbing substance abuse across the country.