The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of seven containers filled with banned codeine syrup and other illicit drugs worth over N11 billion at the Area 2 Command, Onne Port in Rivers State. This significant interception marks a major victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Nigeria.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, revealed the details of the operation during a press briefing at the command on Thursday. The successful seizure was the result of a collaborative effort between the NCS, 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 those involved despite the fact of a jail term that awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation.”
Comptroller Babandede expressed grave concern over the persistent importation of these illicit substances, emphasizing that such activities pose a significant threat to national security and economic interests. He issued a stern warning that his command would not tolerate any actions that compromise the nation’s wellbeing.
The timing of this seizure is particularly noteworthy, coming shortly after a visit by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who had recently addressed the media on developments in border security and public safety operations.
The seized items will be transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and potential prosecution of those involved. This operation underscores the NCS’s dual commitment to protecting public health and safety while also striving to meet its revenue objectives.
“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 addition to this law enforcement success, the Area 2 Command reported impressive progress in revenue generation. Comptroller Babandede announced that the command has generated over N360 billion in the first half of the year, achieving 50.5% of its annual target for 2024. July alone has seen a collection of N48 billion, with several working days still remaining in the month.
“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.
This major drug bust highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian law enforcement agencies and reinforces the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation in securing the nation’s borders and safeguarding its citizens.
