Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has recorded a major victory in its fight against drug trafficking, as a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt orders the interim forfeiture of illicit drugs valued at over thirty-three billion naira.
The court ruling affects 17 containers loaded with banned opioids intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State, at different times in 2025.
According to a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja Femi Babafemi , the seized substances include over 19 million pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol, and Carisoprodol, alongside more than 2.4 million bottles of Codeine syrup. Authorities estimate the total street value of the drugs at over 33.6 billion naira.
The order was granted by Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed following an ex-parte application filed by the NDLEA. The court directed that the containers and their contents be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government, pending the final determination of the case.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the forfeiture as a major blow to drug cartels. He said the move effectively cuts off financial resources used to fuel criminal activities, including terrorism.
Marwa also commended the judiciary for its support, noting that collaboration between the courts and law enforcement remains crucial in tackling drug abuse and trafficking.
He praised NDLEA officers at the Onne Port Command, as well as the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders, for their vigilance and cooperation in intercepting the shipments.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling drug networks and preventing the circulation of illicit substances across the country.