Onne customs command in another seizure haul
…Intercepts contraband worth over N11billion
From Chris Eze, Port Harcourt
The Nigeria Customs Service Area II Command Onne, Rivers State has recorded another breakthrough in checkmating the activities of smugglers bringing contraband goods into the country.
The Customs Area Controller in charge of Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede on Thursday informed journalists at a media briefing that the custom’s command acting on credible intelligence intercepted seven 40 feet containers bearing different medical substances not certified by NAFDAC.
Babandede recalled that on July1, 2024, the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi had visited the Onne customs command and highlighted some very significant developments in customs operations targeted at securing the nation’s borders and ensure public safety.
The CAC however regretted that despite the CG’S warning on that day, some “saboteurs have continued to engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guidelines and procedures”
He stressed, “Notwithstanding, in the face of challenging security situation in the country, the Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to step its security function in the area of policing our sea port in such a way that those who do not wish our nation well will not have their way”.
“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”
The CAC listed the seized items as, 1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml), 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 2, 175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg) and 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac pain relief tablets (50mg).
“The above seizures is estimated at Eleven billion, two million naira (N11,200,000,000) 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 CAC stated.
He also used the occasion to highlight the feat the command has achieved in revenue generation.
He said, “In the area of revenue generation, the command in the first half of the year generated a total of three hundred and twelve billion, ninety-four million, three hundred and sixty seven thousand, one hundred and twenty four naira and fifty eight kobo (N312,094,367,124.58) which translates to 50.5 percent of the annual target given to the command”
According to the CAC, as at the time of the press briefing, the command had generated forty eight billion, fifty six million, eight hundred and six thousand, six hundred and ninety two naira (N48,056,806,692.00) in this month of July, 2024.
He expressed the determination of the command to increase its revenue profile and at the same time work tirelessly to protect public health and safety.