The Nigeria Customs Service has recorded another feat in its fight against smuggling of dangerous goods that could undermine the security of the country at Area 2 Command, Onne.
Announcing the seizures on Wednesday, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, lamented that recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend that Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo.
The CGC 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 a breakdown of the seizures, the CGC
said that the impounded 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 asserted that these interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggeringly ₦31,200,688,142.
The Customs boss lauded the operation as 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.
He emphasized that this fight against smuggling is not just a Customs issue – it is a national security concern that affects every Nigerian. He therefore called on all patriotic citizens to assist in this crucial endeavor.
“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. This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity.”
Adeniyi 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: the 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 the fight against smuggling are commendable, and I want to assure you that your efforts do not go unnoticed.
“These seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items. The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities.
“As we move forward, I want to reiterate our 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 added that the service will remain steadfast in its duties to ensure that the nation remains a safe place for all to thrive.