By Ajibola Adedoye
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has impounded a total number of twelve (12) containers conveying several illicit goods at Area 2 Command, Onne.
Making this known today, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS Comptroller-General disclosed that the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers is Thirty One Billion, Two Hundred Million, Six Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand One Hundred and Forty Two Naira (₦31,200,688,142) Only.
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Adeniyi stressed that the goods were intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination.
While giving a rundown of the items the CGC said: “One (1) x 40-feet container: Containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦923,040,000. Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of ₦4,716,573,846. Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦17,432,506,000.
Five (5) x 40-feet containers: Containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦8,128,568,295.90.”
“This operation is not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of our intelligence network and the critical partnerships we maintain with other security agencies.
“I want to emphasize that this is not just a Customs issue – it is a national security concern that affects every Nigerian. We are therefore calling on all patriotic citizens to assist us in this crucial endeavor. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions. Your information, no matter how small, could be the key to preventing a potential catastrophe.
“Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents.
“This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity.
“These seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items.
“The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities” the CGC stressed.
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