The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Port Harcourt Ports Command, Onne, has disclosed that it intercepted illicit drugs estimated to have a street value of N5 billion within the last year at the Onne Port in Rivers State.
The Commander of the NDLEA at the port, Omerio Odo, revealed this during activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, widely known as World Drug Day.
According to Odo, the seizures involved seven containers loaded with more than 3.5 million opioid tablets and over 1.2 million bottles of codeine syrup, weighing a combined total of 206 tonnes.
He explained that the successful interceptions resulted from sustained intelligence gathering, heightened surveillance, and effective collaboration between the NDLEA and other security agencies as well as key stakeholders operating within the maritime sector.
Describing the seizures as a significant victory against drug trafficking, Odo said the intercepted consignments represented “the weight of misery and destruction” that would have found their way into communities if they had escaped detection.
He noted that the illegal shipments were intended to enrich drug traffickers at the expense of public health, security and the wellbeing of countless Nigerians.
The commander acknowledged that Onne Port remains one of Nigeria’s major gateways for international trade but warned that criminal syndicates continue to exploit maritime routes to smuggle prohibited substances into the country.
He assured that the command would sustain its aggressive operations to ensure that the nation’s seaports are not used as entry points for illicit drugs.
“We will continue to be relentless and ruthless in our operations against drug traffickers,” he said.
Odo further observed that drug trafficking networks have become more sophisticated, increasingly relying on technology, social media platforms and recreational centres to expand their operations and attract new users.
While traditional narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis and LSD remain a concern, he noted that the growing circulation of designer drugs, precursor chemicals and other emerging psychoactive substances now poses an even greater threat.
He also highlighted the command’s preventive efforts through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, saying the initiative had reached 13 organisations over the past year.
According to him, schools, places of worship, markets, workplaces and community groups have all benefited from awareness campaigns aimed at reducing drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The NDLEA commander commended the support of partner agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Ports Authority, terminal operators and other law enforcement bodies for their continued cooperation.
He also appealed to freight forwarders, clearing agents and bonded terminal operators to strengthen cargo verification processes and promptly report suspicious consignments to security agencies.
Odo stressed that the fight against illicit drugs cannot be won by law enforcement alone, calling on government institutions, communities, civil society organisations and individuals to work together to reduce both the demand for and supply of illegal drugs across Nigeria.
