RIVERS PORT: N46 BILLION WORTH OF CONTRABAND DRUGS INTERCEPTED BY CUSTOMS

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Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, located in Onne, Rivers State, has confiscated containers of unlawfully imported medications, including fake tablets valued at more than N46.399 billion.

The command also stated that it has already made over N500 billion in 2024.

Comptroller Mohammed Ndede, the Customs Area Controller for Area 2 Command, Onne, revealed this Monday during a media event in Onne, where he showed reporters the confiscated medications and pills.

It has been precisely two months and seven days since Bashir Adeniyi, the Controller General of Customs, visited Onne Port to display a number of noteworthy seizures, including weapons and ammunition seized by Command officers, Ndede announced.

He stated, “The security concern arising from the series of contraband seizures at this port led to the declaration of a three-month state of emergency, granting the Command authority to scrutinise all suspected containers, regardless of whether their owners are present.”

Comptroller Ndede explained that this proactive approach was intended to ensure no illegal substances evade detection.

He added, “In line with the Controller General of Customs’ policy of consolidation and collaboration, more successes have been recorded.

“The Command, working with sister agencies such as the NDLEA, DSS, Quarantine, and NAFDAC, among others, in implementing the state of emergency, has made yet another significant seizure of twenty 40-foot and one 20-foot container filled with illicit drugs that pose a serious threat to public health and safety.

“Additionally, we have a 20-foot container laden with donkey skins.”

The following breakdown was supplied by the Customs Area 2 Command, Onne Controller: 7,530,000 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac pills and 2,624,053 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine.

Ndede also mentioned 7,665,000 tablets of 200mg fake Gonorrhea antibiotics without a NAFDAC registration, 27,048,900 tablets of 225mg Royal Tapentadol/Tamil, and 3,500,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol.

Continuing, Comptroller Ndede disclosed, “The Duty Paid Value of the 21 containers totals N46,399,199,810, while the Duty Paid Value for the donkey skins is N441,000,000.”

Vigilant cops intercepted the confiscated items at the point of entry, he said, adding some of the drugs had been hidden under local grinding tools and plumbing supplies to evade detection.

These seizures, according to Ndede, demonstrate the Command’s steadfast dedication to fighting illegal substances and maintaining public safety.

Ndede added, “The implementation of this state of emergency by the CGC has proven effective in enhancing our operational capabilities and ensuring we can act decisively against those who seek to undermine our nation’s security.”

“Regarding anti-smuggling activities, under my stewardship this year, including the latest seizures displayed here, we have made a total of 63 container seizures, including 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition,” among others.

He revealed that N130,562,660,407 is the Duty Paid Value of the seizures that have been conducted thus far for violations of different customs rules and procedural norms.

Ndede added that exports are essential for fostering Nigeria’s economic expansion, generating employment, and preserving a positive trade balance and naira exchange rate relative to the US dollar.

“In this Command, a total of 2,436,408.33 metric tonnes of goods, with a free-on-board value of $826,613,015.87, has been processed,” he stated.

On revenue generation this year, Ndede said, “As of this morning, the Command has generated total revenue of N550,431,559,598.41 billion.

“This translates to 89 per cent of the annual target of N618 billion set for the Command.”