NDLEA intercepts ₦5bn illicit drugs in seven containers at Onne Port
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Port Harcourt Ports Command, Onne, says it intercepted illicit drugs with an estimated street value of ₦5 billion over the past year at the port.
The Commander of the NDLEA at the Onne Port, Omerio Odo, disclosed this on Friday during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.
Odo said the seizures comprised seven container shipments containing more than 3.5 million tablets of opioids and 1.2 million bottles of codeine, with a combined weight of 206 tonnes.
He attributed the successful interceptions to intelligence gathering, heightened surveillance, and collaboration with sister security agencies and key stakeholders in the maritime sector.
Describing the seized consignments as “the weight of misery and destruction”, Odo said the drugs would have inflicted serious harm on individuals, families, and communities for the financial gain of a few traffickers.
He noted that the Onne Port remains a critical gateway for international trade but warned that criminal networks continue to exploit maritime routes for drug trafficking.
The commander assured that the agency would sustain its “relentless and ruthless” operations to prevent illicit drugs from entering the country through the seaports.
According to him, drug trafficking syndicates have adopted increasingly sophisticated methods, including the use of technology, social media platforms, and recreational centres to recruit users and expand their illegal operations.
He added that, beyond traditional narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, LSD, and cannabis, emerging threats now include designer drugs, precursor chemicals, and other harmful substances.
Odo also disclosed that the command had stepped up preventive advocacy through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, reaching 13 organisations—including schools, places of worship, workplaces, markets, and communities—within the past year.
He commended the Nigeria Customs Service, Department of State Services, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Ports Authority, terminal operators, and other law enforcement agencies for their continued support in combating drug trafficking and abuse.
The NDLEA commander urged freight forwarders, clearing agents, and bonded terminal operators to remain vigilant by verifying cargoes and promptly reporting suspicious consignments.
He also called on individuals, communities, governments, and civil society organisations to work together to curb both the demand for and supply of illicit drugs across the country.