The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted illicit drugs with an estimated street value of ₦5 billion at the Onne Port in Rivers State over the past year, dealing another major blow to drug trafficking networks operating through Nigeria’s seaports.
The Commander of the NDLEA Port Harcourt Ports Command, Omerio Odo, disclosed this during activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day).
According to him, the seizures involved seven container shipments containing more than 3.5 million opioid tablets and 1.2 million bottles of codeine, with a combined weight of about 206 tonnes.
Odo attributed the success to intelligence-driven operations, increased surveillance and collaboration with other security agencies and maritime stakeholders.
He described the intercepted drugs as dangerous substances that could have caused serious harm to individuals, families and communities if they had made their way into circulation.
The NDLEA commander noted that while Onne Port remains an important gateway for international trade, criminal groups continue to exploit maritime routes to smuggle illicit drugs into the country.
He assured Nigerians that the agency would sustain its aggressive operations against drug traffickers and prevent illegal substances from entering the country through the nation’s seaports.
Odo also warned that drug trafficking syndicates are increasingly adopting new methods, including the use of technology, social media platforms and recreational centres, to expand their illegal operations and recruit users.
Beyond enforcement, he said the command intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign over the past year, reaching 13 organisations, including schools, places of worship, markets, workplaces and local communities with anti-drug awareness programmes.
He commended the support of the Nigeria Customs Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders for their continued collaboration in combating drug trafficking.
Odo also urged freight forwarders, clearing agents and terminal operators to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious cargoes to security agencies.
