Nigeria Customs Service, Onne Area II Command raked in N312 billion into the Federal Government coffers from January 1 to June 30, 2024.
While briefing newsmen in Onne today, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Mohammed Babandede said illicit drugs worth over N11 billion imported through Onne Port were intercepted and confisticated by eagle-eye officers of the command.
He said: “The Command in the first half of the year generated a total of N312 billion which translates to 50.5% of the annual target given to the Command. As at this morning the Command has generated N48 billion in the month of July and we still have five working days left in the month.”
He however expressed concern that despite several warnings by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to importers, some of them have continued to trade on restricted drugs and engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guidelines and procedures.
He noted that in the face of challenging security situation in the country, the Area II Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continue to step up its security function in the seaport to truncate non-compliant trade activities.
He said: “It is with joy that I inform you that the Command has again recorded another significant breakthrough over these unpatriotic people who do not have the interest of our nation at heart as attested by the seizures on display today.
“In line with the CGC policy thrust of Collaboration and Consolidation, the Command on receipt of creditable intelligence on some 40-foot containers sprang into action. In collaboration with National Drug law Enforcement Agency, Onne Port Chapter these containers were identified, positioned and jointly examined in the presence of sister agencies.
“A total of Seven (7) 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 Hyergra tablets (200mg)
1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg)
“The above seizures is estimated at N11.2 billion which represents a huge loss on the part of those involved despite the fact of a jail term that 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.”
The Controller reiterated the resolve of the Command, under the present Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of the country.
“We are determined to increase our revenue profile and at the same time working tirelessly in protecting public health and safety,” he said.
