Onne Port: Customs Intercepts N11.2b Banned Drugs, Generates N312b

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Onne Area 2  Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has warned that it will  not tolerate any actions capable of compromising the economy and security of the country.

This is just as it announced the collection of over N312 billion in revenue within the first half of 2024.

The Command’s warning is coming on the heels of the interception of seven containers laden with prohibited and dangerous drugs with a street value of over N11 billion.

At a media briefing on Thursday, July 25 2024, the Comptroller, Mohammed Babadede expressed concern that despite the tough posture of the service and past humongous seizures, some unpatriotic and die hard elements still persist in engaging in illegal importations.

He however vowed that they will continue to make life difficult for the unrepentant smugglers.

“You are aware that on the 1st of this month, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was at the Command and he addressed members of the fourth realm on recent significant developments in our operations to secure our nation’s borders and ensure public safety.

“Despite his warning on that day, it is unfortunate that some saboteurs have continued to engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guidelines and procedures.

“Notwithstanding, in the face of challenging security situation in the country, the Area 2 command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to step up its security functions in the area of policing our Seaports in such a way that those who do not wish our nation well will not have their way.

“In line with the CGC’s policy trust of Collaboration and consolidation, the Command, on receipt of credible intelligence on some 40 feet containers sprang into action.

“In collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Onne port command, seven containers were identified  positioned and jointly examined in the presence of sister agencies.

“A total of seven seized containers were made. These containers were found to contain 1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml), 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 2,175,000 tablets of Hydergra (200mg), and 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac pain relief tablets (50mg).

“The above seizures are estimated at 11 billion,Two Hundred Million ( N11,200 ,000,000) which represents a huge loss on the part of those involved. Despite that fact,  a jail term awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation.

“It is worrisome that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose.

“The seized Cough Syrup Codeine and tablets would be handed over formally to the NDLEA in due course for further investigation,” Comptroller Babadede stated.

The Comptroller noted that the over N312 billion realized in the first half of the year (January to June) as revenue, represents about 50.5% of the total revenue target given to the Command.

He announced that the Command, also, has generated over N48 billion for the month of July alone.

He assured that the Command will continue to increase its revenue generation profile. without compromising the security and economic interests of the country.