The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has secured an interim forfeiture order for 17 containers loaded with illicit opioids valued at over N33.6 billion.
The order was granted by the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, following an ex parte motion filed by the agency.
In a statement on Tuesday, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the containers were intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State, on multiple dates between April and September 2025.
According to the agency, the seized consignments contain 19.6 million pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, as well as 2,496,400 bottles of codeine syrup, with a combined street value estimated at N33,691,200,000.
Ruling on the application, Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed ordered the interim forfeiture of the containers, which contain 365,657kg of psychotropic substances, to the Federal Government.
The court also granted custody of the items to the NDLEA pending the final determination of the suit.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the forfeiture as a major blow to drug trafficking networks.
He said the action deprives criminal syndicates of resources used to fuel drug abuse and other crimes, adding that it sends a strong signal of the government’s resolve to combat illicit drug trade.
Marwa also commended the judiciary for granting the order, noting that collaboration between the courts and the agency remains critical in tackling drug-related offences.
He further praised NDLEA personnel at the Onne Port Command, as well as other security agencies and international partners, for their roles in the operation.
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