The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking after securing an interim forfeiture order for 17 containers loaded with illicit opioids valued at more than ₦33.6 billion.
The order was granted by the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, following an ex parte motion filed by the agency.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed that the containers were intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State, during multiple operations carried out between April and September 2025.
According to the agency, the consignments contained a large quantity of controlled substances, including 19.6 million pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol, and Carisoprodol, as well as 2,496,400 bottles of codeine syrup. The combined street value of the seized drugs was estimated at ₦33,691,200,000.
In his ruling, Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed ordered the interim forfeiture of the containers—containing a total of 365,657 kilograms of psychotropic substances—to the Federal Government. The court also directed that custody of the items be handed over to the NDLEA pending the final determination of the case.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa described the forfeiture as a significant blow to drug trafficking networks.
He noted that the seizure and forfeiture deprive criminal syndicates of resources used to fuel drug abuse and related crimes, while also sending a strong message about the government’s commitment to tackling the illicit drug trade.
Marwa further commended the judiciary for granting the order, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the courts and enforcement agencies in addressing drug-related offences.
He also praised NDLEA personnel at the Onne Port Command, alongside other security agencies and international partners, for their roles in the successful operation.
