NDLEA Crushes Drug Cartels’ Finances — Marwa
…as Court Orders Forfeiture of N33.6bn Opioids
By Gabriel Kekong
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on drug cartels, following an interim forfeiture order granted by the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, for 17 containers loaded with illicit opioids valued at over N33.6 billion.
The containers were intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State, on multiple dates in 2025—April 29; May 14, 19, 20, 28, 29 and 30; June 13; July 29; August 13 and 14; and September 4.
The seizures comprise 19,600,000 pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, alongside 2,496,400 bottles of Codeine syrup, with a combined estimated street value of N33,691,200,000.
The forfeiture order was issued by Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, following an ex parte motion filed by the NDLEA on February 10, 2026, in suit number FHC/PH/MISC/25/2026.
In his ruling, Justice Mohammed ordered the interim forfeiture of the 17 shipping containers—containing 365,657 kilograms of various psychotropic substances—illegally imported into Nigeria through the Onne seaport by unidentified persons.
The court also vested custody and possession of the containers and their contents in the NDLEA pending the final determination of the suit.
Reacting, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the development as a decisive blow to the financial backbone of the criminal syndicates.
“This is not just a seizure; it is a complete dispossession of resources intended to destroy lives and fuel further criminality. By stripping these syndicates of assets worth over N33.6 billion, we have struck at the very heart of their operations,” he said.
Marwa added that the action sends a strong signal that Nigeria will not allow proceeds of illicit drugs to fund terrorism or other forms
of organised crime.
He commended the judiciary for its timely intervention, noting that its collaboration with the agency remains crucial in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The NDLEA boss also praised officers of the Onne Port Command for their vigilance and professionalism, which led to the discovery of the concealed consignments. He further acknowledged the support of sister agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other port stakeholders for their cooperation.
Marwa equally appreciated international partners for sustained intelligence sharing and technical support, reaffirming the agency’s resolve to dismantle drug networks across the country.
