Two suspects have been apprehended by the TinCan Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in connection with the importation of dangerous unregistered pharmaceuticals through the command.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller Oloyede A. A made this disclosure yesterday at a media briefing with newsmen at the command”s conference hall.
According to the CAC, the illicit drugs which were concealed in two (2) by 40ft containers
are regulated products by NAFDAC and lacking the required permits and certificates for importation into the country.
Comptroller Oloyede informed that the Command received a timely intelligence from its Intelligence Unit on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs concealed in 2 by 40ft containers with Bill of lading Nos 227578945 and 227898171. On arrival of the vessel at the Tincan Island Container Terminal, the containers (MRSU 592397/0 and MRKU 553432/1) were transferred immediately to the Enforcement Station for 100% physical examination and further investigation.
He added that after a physical examinations were jointly conducted on both containers by Enforcement Officers, Customs Intelligence Operatives, Customs Police and Examination officers of the Terminal on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd, it was discovered that Container No MRSU 592397/0 with Bill of Lading No 227578945 stated the items laden were 1,016 packages containing Electrical Goods Ceiling Fan 36 Jewel (Cooper) and Chilly Cutters (Stainless Steel Plastic) but after examination, the container was found to contain 5 cartons of Timaking 120 Tapentadol (Tramadol) Hydrochloride Carisoprodol capsule. Each carton contains 50 rolls, each rolls contains 5 packets, each packet 200 tablets.
Also contained in it were 84 cartons of Gastro Resistant Omeprazole capsule BP 200mg. Each carton contains 50 packets, each packet contains 10 capsules, 876cartons of CSMIX cough syrup containing Codeine (each bottle 100ml). Each carton contains 200 bottles, 50 cartons of Manual Grater Machine-70 pieces per carton as means of concealment and 1 carton of Ceiling Fan as a means of concealment.
While container No MRKU 553432/1 with Bill of Landing number 227898171 stated the items laden to include 1,021 packages containing Electrical Goods Ceiling Fan 36 Jewel (Cooper) and Chilly Cutter (Stainless Steel Plastic) but after examination the container was found to contain 10cartons of Super Royal 225 (Tramadol). Each carton contains 50 rolls, each roll contains 10 packets, each packet 10 tablets, 105 cartons of Omeprazole Capsule BP 200mg. Each carton contains 50 packets, each packet contains 10 capsules.
Others are 754 cartons of Barcadin with Codeine (each bottle 100ml). Each carton contains 200 Bottles, 50 cartons of Manual Grater Machine – 70 pieces per carton as means of concealment and 1 cartons of Compo Ceiling Fan as means of concealment.
Comptroller Oloyede disclosed that the two suspects arrested are presently at the custody of the Enforcement Unit in accordance with the investigation process of the Service.
The command boss hinted that one of the suspects who is already in custody, Mr. Boniface Ike who accepted ownership of the said containers had sought to discuss privately with OC Enforcement DC GI Aliyu and Team Manager CIU AC H Abubaka which he said he instructed them to play along, his words, “I instructed my officers to play along, the request was granted in expectation of receiving vital information from the suspect but to their bewilderment, the suspect pleaded for his freedom from detention and release of the containers while offering gratification to the tune of Fifty Million Naira only which is equivalent to $54,330 at the current exchange rate N920. The money was collected and kept in safe custody at the Enforcement Unit to be tendered as exhibit”.
While parading the two suspects to newsmen at the Enforcement Unit of the command, Compt. Oloyede said, “The suspects, containers and the exhibit will be handed over to the agencies that are in charge of regulation of such importation as soon as the Service directs and the Service may decide to prosecute according to the Service Act, Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023)” he said.
The Customs Are Controller also informed that following an intensive surveillance operation on a routine examination carried out at the command, a container was found to contain frozen poultry products but had it Single Goods Declaration (SGD), other supporting documents (Form M and PAAR) declaring as Tangerines but was used to conceal imported frozen food products.
He stated that the goods were falsely declared as they are under the import prohibition items and the container has been seized for contravention of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Acts 2023.
“The persistent fraudulent nature of importers and agents drives us to be more innovative in putting methods and measures to combat smuggling activities, ensure no leakage of revenue to the government and the safety of Nigeria.
Not retreating on the resolve of NCS in safeguarding the lives and safety of Nigerians, the CAC said, “The Nigeria Customs Service will not be a part to nefarious acts which jeopardize the safety of lives of the citizens of our dear country, Nigeria. Any fraudulent importer or agent who tries to perpetrate such acts, will be prosecuted accordingly”. The CAC warned.
“The Command in particular and the Service in general will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at our disposal and in collaboration with other Security and Regulatory Agencies to check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and unregulated dangerous drugs and substances” Oloyode declared.
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