NCS Intercepts 12 Containers Of Illicit Imports Worth #31.2bn At Onne Command ...As CGC Declares State Of Emergency On The Command

The Nigeria Customs Service has recorded yet another outstanding feat in its fight against economic saboteurs and  smugglers of dangerous and unwholesome goods that are capable of undermining the security and safety of the country.

The service, through the Onne Area 2 Command which has Comptroller Mohammed Babandede as the Customs Area Controller Intercepted and seized 12 Containers Of Illicit Goods Worth #31.2bn.

Briefing newsmen on the seizures on Wednesday, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR in company of the CAC and other senior officers of the command lamented on  recent intelligence and seizures which revealed a disturbing trend that Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo.

 He noted that the scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to the national security and the health of the citizenry. Adeniyi stated that diligent officers of the command seized twelve (12) containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination.

Giving the breakdown of the seizures,  the CGC said that the seizes containers include “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.

He stated that these interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering ₦31,200,688,142, saying the operation was not being only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of Service intelligence network and the critical partnerships it maintains with other security agencies

The custom boss emphasized that the fight against smuggling is not just a Customs issue, but a national security concern that affects every Nigerian. He therefore called on all patriotic citizens to assist in this crucial endeavor. 

He said “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". 

The CGC assured the business community and legitimate importers that this measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade as the goal is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive. “We will work to ensure that lawful shipments are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible during this period. To those who may be tempted to continue these illegal activities, let me be clear that Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation,” he warned.

He expressed his deep appreciation to the officers of the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their relentless efforts in safeguarding the nation. “Your dedication to duty and your commitment to continuing this momentum. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will leave no stone unturned in our mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians; We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law,” he emphasized.

The CGC assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to be a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods. He noted that these seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items and the illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in accordance with their Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing customs activities.