Customs seize 16 containers of illicit drugs
The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Command, has announced the seizure of 16 containers containing illicit substances, unregistered pharmaceutical products, and other prohibited items between May 17 and October 23, 2024.The seized goods' total duty-paid value is estimated to be N4 billion.
Dera Nnadi, Customs Area Controller for the Tincan Island Command, made the announcement during a press briefing at the command in Apapa, Lagos, on Thursday.
Nnadi stated that the seizure was a significant accomplishment in combating illegal trade, with the contraband goods intercepted through rigorous enforcement efforts.
In addition, Nnadi announced that the command collected a record N1.046 trillion in revenue between January and November 7, 2024, the command's highest-ever total.
He attributed this achievement to strong collaboration with stakeholders, which he said played an important role in achieving the remarkable revenue growth.
"We are glad to announce that the command as of today the 7th of November 2024 has generated the sum of N1.046tn," Nnadi tweeted.
He also stated that 13 containers containing illicit drugs would be turned over to officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
Nnadi stated that the containers had been thoroughly inspected by several agencies, including the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, among others.
Nnadi described the seizures, stating that some of the containers contained large shipments of cough syrups containing codeine, Barcadin, Broncleer, and DSP, all of which are used to treat throat and chest coughs. The syrups were packaged in cartons of 100ml and 200ml bottles.
"Others contain, 420 cartons of Royal 225 (Tapentadol HVCL 125mg and Carisoprodol BP 100mg), 200 cartons of 5mg Benzhexol Tablets (Brand: Trodal, 77 packets of cannabis sativa weighing 38.5kg, 532 packets weighing 265.025kg, and 75 packets weighing 37.5kg, Really Extra brand packed in 50mg, 100 packs per carton," according to him.
He added that the containers also contained ceiling fans, Deluxe Chilli Cutters, stainless steel blenders, and Biomal Artesunate Injection, among other items.
The CAC stated that the drugs came from India, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Nnadi stated that on October 2, 2024, the command officially handed over 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025 kg and with an estimated street value of N682 million.
"These narcotics were discovered in three 40ft containers with registration numbers, MSMU 518030/2, MSMU 602957/0, and FSCU 927461/3), as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen interagency collaboration and coordination," he told reporters.
Nnadi credited the command's success to the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, as well as the dedicated officers of the Tincan Island Command.
He also stated that the command would continue to use all available resources and strategies, in collaboration with both local and international security and regulatory agencies, to combat the illegal importation of unregistered pharmaceutical products into the country.
Leave A Comment