Skip to main content

Apapa Command Intercepts Container Load Of Tramadol, Hands Over To NDLEA

By Anne Ejuka


The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Friday announced the interception of a 20 foot container imported from Pakistan, loaded with 150 Cartons of Tramadol which is valued at N6 billion.

 
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Yusuf Ibrahim Malanta while speaking to Journalists on the seizure said the drugs were concealed carefully with towels but through a Forensic Manifest Management System and the vigilance of customs officers of the command, the drugs were detected.


Giving a breakdown of the seizure while handing it over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Malanta said, “On the authority of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), I, Comptroller MI Yusuf, Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command do hereby handover 1x20ft container No. PCIU 0183241 laden with eighty-one (81) cartons of 250mg and sixty-nine (69) cartons of 225mg of tramadol tablets (Each carton contains 72 rolls, each roll contains 10 packs, each pack contains 10 sachets, and each sachet contains 10 tablets) totaling 150 cartons of tramadol tablets to the Commander of Narcotics,
Commander Ameh Inalegwu Apapa Special Area Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further agency action".

Compt. Malanta disclosed that one suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure and have also been handed over to the NDLEA for further interrogation and investigation.
According to him, the seizure is to further strengthen the existing relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service, the NDLEA and other relevant government agencies operating in the port.

“The fight against illicit drug abuse and trafficking is everyone’s business and the Nigeria Customs Service is all out to support the NDLEA in combating this ugly menace decisively.
We have just started, we would make sure that all these illicit drugs have no place in Apapa command” he said
He attributed the seizure to being consistent and focused, saying that organisational interest should supersede personal interests".

While receiving the container, Mr Ameh Inalegwu, disclosed that the Chairman of NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) has expressed great pride in the Apapa customs boss, Compt Yusuf Malanta.
“I want to appreciate the synergy between the Apapa customs command and the NDLEA, just about a month ago, we had this kind of handing over whereby two containers were handed over to us, this is the Apapa spirit, my Chairman is very appreciative and he is ready to project and commend any officer of the security agencies that would partner with the NDLEA.
“I want to commend the Area Controller and say that my Chairman is very proud of you, when I heard the opportunity to put the records before him, he assured me of the length he would go to recommend you and I am sure it is on the way, if it has not come” Inalegwu stated
According to him, “The legally accepted milligram for tramadol is 50mg, but here we have five of that in one, under the influence of this drug, everybody is vulnerable.
“A carton of the tramadol is not less than N20 million, while the entire drug is worth more than N6 billion
“The agency is going to the court to get permit in order to destroy the drugs, in the next one month, my Chairman would be in Lagos to destroy exhibits”, he stated.
The NDLEA counterparts from American DEA, Canada and the United Kingdom were also on ground to witness the handing over of the drug seizure.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NCS Medical Team Trains Apapa Area Command Officers On First Aid

By Anne Ejuka
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) medical team yesterday trained officers and men of the Apapa Area Command on basic first aid training. ‎ ‎The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba according to a press release issued by the public relations officer of the command, Superintendent of Customs SC JT Ayagbalo described the initiative as a crucial investment in workplace safety and operational readiness. ‎ ‎In his welcome address, Comptroller Oshoba emphasized that the programme reflects the priority placed on staff welfare by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. ‎ ‎He described first aid knowledge as a universal life skill that every adult should possess, especially officers as they are frequently exposed to high-risk operational environments. ‎ ‎ Oshoba noted that simple but timely interventions such as; CPR, bleeding control, choking relief and stroke recognition often determine whether a victim survives, fully recov...
Post a Comment
Read more

NIMASA Reshuffles Management Team For Enhanced Efficiency And Inter-departmental Collaboration

By Anne Ejuka
I n an exercise aimed  at strengthening  inter-departmental collaboration and inject new energy into the system to further improve performance and enhance efficiency across the maritime sector, The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced a strategic redeployment of its management staff as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery in line with its core mandate.   Under the new structure, according to a press statement issued by Mr. Edward Osagie FNIPR,  Head, Public Relations Officer of the agency, a total of 56 management staff were affected in the exercise. Notable amongst those redeployed are; Hajia Moji Jimoh who becomes Director, Administration and Human Resources; Aishatu Jidda, Director, Planning, Research and Data Management Services; Barr. Heaky Dimowo, Director, Legal Services/Board Secretary; Isichei Osamgbi, Director, SERVICOM; and Mrs. Olubusola Obasanjo-Akande, Director, Western Zone. Othe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Comptroller Otunla Gives Insights On Strategies Adopted In Achieving Mandate At Ogun1 Command

By Anne Ejuka
Comptroller Godwin Aderounmu Otunla, who assumed duties as Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service Idiroko, Ogun State on Thursday 24th of April 2025 has continued to build on existing successes, strengthening the fight against smuggling and emphasizing his commitment to professionalism and integrity in customs operations. The Comptroller, in an exclusive interview with a group of selected journalists at the command's headquarters in Idiroko last Friday in the presence of the Public Relations Officers of the Command, CSC Chado Zakari revealed strategies he has adopted in achieving his mandate of trade facilitation, anti smuggling and revenue generation not leaving out officers welfare at the command. Excerpts : Question : Sir, having served for upward of 34 years now and reaching the pinnacle rank of Comptroller of Customs, and Customs Area Controller, how would you describe the feelings sir?‎ Response: Yes, am very, very elated with good ...
Post a Comment
Read more