By Silas Onuoha
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Onne Area II Command on Thursday said it has intercepted 7 Containers with different cough syrup codeine worth N11.2 billion, generates N312 billion into the Federal Government coffers from January to June 2024.
Addressing journalists in Onne today, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede stated that on the 1st of this month the Controller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi mfr dsm fnipr fniia psc (+) 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.
Compt. Babandede informed that despite CGC’s 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,”he noted.
Going further the CAC said.
“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.
“In line with the CGC policy thrust of Collaboration and Consolidation the Command on receipt of creditable intelligence on some 40 feet containers sprang into action. In collaboration with National Drug law Enforcement Agency, Onne Port Chapter. These containers were Identified, positioned and jointly examined in the presence of sister agencies.
He went on
A total of Seven (7) Containers were found to contain,
1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml)
9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter
2,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg)
1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg)
“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 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.
We wish to reiterate the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne under the present Comptroller General of Customs will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation,”the CAC warned.
Speaking on the command revenue, Comptroller Babandede said that in the first half of the year, the command 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 translate 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 (N48,056,806,692.00) in the month of July and we still have five working days left in the month.
“We are determined to increase our revenue profile and at the same time working tirelessly in protecting public health and safety,”he concluded.
