… Generates over N360bn in 6 months
Emma Sunday, Port Harcourt
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has impounded seven containers with banned codeine syrup hard drugs at the Area 2 Command of the NCS, Onne Port in Rivers State.
Customs Area Controller, Area 2 Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede who disclosed this while briefing Journalists at the command on Thursday, said that drugs are worth over Eleven billion naira (N11 billion).
Displaying the seized items before newsmen at the Port, the Customs Boss said the seizure was done in collaboration with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) and other sister agencies.
Giving a breakdown of the seized items, Comptroller Babandede said, “In line with the Comptroller General of Custom’s policy thrust of collaboration and consolidation, the Command on receipt of credible intelligence on some 40 feet containers sprang into action and in collaboration with the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Onne Port, these containers were identified, positioned and jointly examined.
“A total of seven seized containers containing 1,054, 400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml), 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 3,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg) and 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg) were seized.
“The above seizures is estimated at Eleven Billion, Two Hundred Million Naira (N11,200,000, 000) which represents a huge loss on the part of thode involved despite the fact of a jail term that awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation.”
The Customs boss expressed concern about the worrisome importation of these illicit drugs and other illegal activities of some citizens bent on frustrating the efforts of the nation, he warned that the Command under him would not tolerate any action that compromised the economy and security of the nation.
He disclosed that the seized items would be handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.
“You are aware that on the 1 of this month the Controller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi was in the Command and he address members of the fourth realm on recent significant developments in our operations to secure our nation’s borders and ensure public safety.
“Despite his warming on that day, it is unfortunate that some saboteurs have continued to engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guideline and procedures. Notwithstanding, in the face of challenging security situation in the Country the Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continue to step up 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.”
In the area of revenue generation, Comptroller Babandede said the Command has generated over N360 billion in six months translating to 50.5 percent of the annual target for 2024.
“In the area of revenue, the Command in the first half of the year generated a total of Three Hundred 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.
“As at this morning, the Command has generated Forty-Eight Billion, Fifty Six Million, Eight Hundred and Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety Two Naira (48,056,806,692.00) in the month of July and we still have five working days left in the month,” he said.
He asserted that the Command is working tirelessly to increase their revenue profile while protecting public health and safety.
