The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Rivers State, has seized a large consignment of illegal drugs, including counterfeit tablets valued at over N46.399 billion.
At a media briefing in Onne on Monday, Customs Area Controller Comptroller Mohammed Ndede highlighted the significant operations led by his team, displaying the seized contraband to journalists.
Comptroller Ndede explained that the command has generated over N550 billion in revenue so far in 2024, nearing 89 percent of its annual target of N618 billion.
He emphasized that the substantial seizures, as well as the revenue achievements, reflect the command’s dedication to both safeguarding public health and maintaining fiscal discipline.
Reflecting on security concerns that arose following previous seizures of weapons and contraband, Comptroller Ndede recalled that it has been “two months and seven days” since Controller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi visited the Onne Port to acknowledge prior confiscations, which included firearms and ammunition.
In response to ongoing security risks, Adeniyi authorized a three-month state of emergency at the port, enabling comprehensive inspection of all flagged containers, regardless of the container owner’s presence.
“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,” Ndede explained, emphasizing the importance of heightened vigilance to prevent illegal items from entering the country.
Ndede shared that the intensified checks under the emergency declaration have proven successful. “In line with the Controller General of Customs’ policy of consolidation and collaboration, more successes have been recorded,” he added.
Through collaborative efforts with other agencies, including the NDLEA, DSS, Quarantine, and NAFDAC, the command intercepted an array of illegal substances, including 21 containers filled with drugs and animal products.
Among the seized items were twenty 40-foot and one 20-foot container packed with substances deemed a risk to public safety. Also confiscated was a 20-foot container filled with donkey skins, a trade item with export restrictions.
A detailed breakdown provided by the Comptroller revealed the following: 2,624,053 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine, 7,530,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 3,500,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, 27,048,900 tablets of 225mg Royal Tapentadol/Tamil, and 7,665,000 tablets of counterfeit Gonorrhoea Antibiotics lacking NAFDAC approval numbers, among other drugs.
Ndede stated, “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.” He further explained that vigilant customs officers intercepted the containers as they entered the port, with some items camouflaged under plumbing materials and grinding tools in an attempt to evade detection.
These latest confiscations underscore the command’s dedication to combating drug trafficking and protecting public safety.
“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,” Ndede stressed.
Additionally, the Comptroller recounted that since taking over leadership of the command this year, the area command has seized a total of 63 containers holding illegal items, including 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition. So far, the duty-paid value of these seizures totals N130,562,660,407, highlighting the ongoing battle against smuggling and customs violations.
On the export front, Ndede underscored the command’s role in advancing Nigeria’s economic health by enabling the trade of goods that support job creation and sustain a favorable exchange rate.
“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 said, underscoring the importance of these exports to the nation’s economic growth.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the drug seizure, and investigations are underway. The seized goods were handed over to relevant authorities, including the NDLEA and Quarantine, with the NAFDAC-designated items set for transfer at a later date.
