NDLEA Intercepts N5bn Worth of Illicit Drugs at Onne Port, Seizes Seven Containers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted illicit drugs with an estimated street value of ₦5 billion at the Onne Port in Rivers State, following a series of intelligence-led operations carried out over the past year.

The Commander of the NDLEA Port Harcourt Ports Command, Onne, Omerio Odo, disclosed this during activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day).

According to Odo, the command intercepted 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 said the seizures were made possible through sustained intelligence gathering, heightened surveillance and close collaboration with other security agencies and key stakeholders operating within the nation's maritime sector.

Describing the confiscated consignments as "the weight of misery and destruction," Odo said the drugs would have inflicted devastating consequences on individuals, families and communities had they reached the streets.

He noted that while Onne Port remains one of Nigeria's strategic gateways for international trade, criminal syndicates have continued to target the facility as a transit route for illicit drug shipments.

The commander, however, assured that the agency remains committed to denying traffickers access to Nigeria's seaports through sustained enforcement operations.

"We will continue our relentless and uncompromising operations against drug traffickers to ensure that illicit substances do not find their way into the country through our maritime corridors," he said.

Odo warned that drug trafficking networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with syndicates deploying technology, social media platforms and recreational centres to recruit users and expand illegal distribution channels.

He explained that beyond traditional narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, LSD and cannabis, security agencies are now confronting a growing influx of designer drugs, precursor chemicals and other emerging psychoactive substances.

As part of efforts to reduce drug demand alongside enforcement activities, the commander said the NDLEA had intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign.

According to him, the command reached 13 organisations over the past year through sensitisation programmes conducted in schools, religious centres, workplaces, markets and host communities.

Odo commended the support of the Nigeria Customs Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), terminal operators and other law enforcement agencies, describing inter-agency cooperation as critical to recent operational successes.

He also urged freight forwarders, licensed clearing agents and bonded terminal operators to strengthen cargo verification processes and promptly report suspicious consignments.

Calling for a united front against drug abuse and trafficking, the NDLEA commander stressed that government agencies, private sector operators, civil society organisations and citizens all have important roles to play in reducing both the supply and demand for illicit drugs across the country.