NDLEA secures forfeiture of N33.6bn worth of opioids intercepted at Onne
NDLEA Secures Forfeiture Order for Illicit Opioids Worth N33.6 Billion
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has obtained an interim forfeiture order for 17 containers containing illegal opioids with an estimated street value exceeding N33.6 billion.
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt granted the order following an ex parte motion submitted by the agency.
In a statement released Tuesday, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, indicated that the containers were intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State, on several occasions between April and September 2025.
The seized shipments include 19.6 million pills of various substances, including Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol, and Carisoprodol, as well as 2,496,400 bottles of codeine syrup. The total weight of the psychotropic substances amounts to 365,657 kg.
Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed, in ruling on the NDLEA’s application, ordered that the containers be forfeited to the Federal Government. The court also granted custody of the items to the NDLEA until the case is resolved.
In response to the court’s decision, NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa characterized the forfeiture as a significant setback for drug trafficking networks. He emphasized that this action disrupts the financial resources supporting drug abuse and associated crimes, underscoring the government’s commitment to combatting the illicit drug trade.
Marwa acknowledged the judiciary for its support in this matter, noting the importance of cooperation between the courts and the NDLEA in addressing drug-related offenses. He also recognized the efforts of NDLEA officers at the Onne Port Command and other security agencies, as well as international partners, for their involvement in this operation.
