Customs seize drugs worth N46bn at Rivers port

The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Rivers State, has seized containers of illegally imported drugs, including counterfeit tablets worth over N46.399 billion.

The command also reported it has generated over N500 billion in revenue so far in 2024.

The Customs Area Controller, Area 2 Command, Onne, Comptroller Mohammed Ndede, disclosed this at a media briefing in Onne on Monday, where he displayed the seized drugs and tablets to journalists.

Ndede noted that it was exactly two months and seven days since the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, visited Onne Port to showcase a series of significant seizures, including arms and ammunition confiscated by officers of the Command.

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 Customs Area 2 Command, Onne Controller, provided the breakdown as follows: 2,624,053 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine, 7,530,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac.

Ndede further listed 3,500,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, 27,048,900 tablets of 225mg Royal Tapentadol/Tamil, and 7,665,000 tablets of 200mg counterfeit Gonorrhoea Antibiotics without a NAFDAC number, among others.

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.”

He noted that the seized items were intercepted at the entry point by vigilant officers and that some of the drugs had been concealed under plumbing materials and local grinding tools to avoid detection.

Ndede said these seizures underscore the Command’s unwavering commitment to combatting illicit drugs and ensuring 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 disclosed that the Duty Paid Value of seizures made so far, for breaches of various customs laws and procedural standards, totals N130,562,660,407.

Ndede also noted that exports play a crucial role in promoting Nigeria’s economic growth, creating jobs, and maintaining a favourable balance of trade and exchange rate for the naira against the 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.”

Comptroller Ndede also reported that two suspects were arrested in connection with the latest seizures, with investigations ongoing.

The event concluded with the handover of the seized items to relevant agencies, including the NDLEA and Quarantine, while items intended for NAFDAC will be transferred at a later date.