The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command in Onne, Rivers State, has seized containers filled with illegally imported drugs and counterfeit tablets valued at over N46.399 billion. The command has also announced a remarkable revenue generation of over N500 billion so far in 2024.
Comptroller Mohammed Ndede, the Customs Area Controller for Onne, revealed these developments at a media briefing on Monday. Displaying the seized drugs, Ndede highlighted that this action follows a recent three-month state of emergency declaration at the port, allowing the command to closely scrutinize all containers, irrespective of owner presence, in response to security concerns over contraband.
Working in collaboration with agencies like the NDLEA, DSS, Quarantine, and NAFDAC, the command intercepted 21 containers holding illicit substances. Key confiscations included 2,624,053 bottles of Cough Syrup Codeine, 7,530,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac, and various counterfeit antibiotics. Additionally, a 20-foot container of donkey skins, valued at N441 million, was seized.
Highlighting a commitment to public safety, Ndede disclosed, “These seizures underscore our ongoing battle against illicit drugs and the effectiveness of the emergency measures implemented by the CGC.”
Among the command’s anti-smuggling achievements, 63 containers were seized this year, including 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) for these seizures reached N130.5 billion.
On exports, Ndede noted that 2,436,408.33 metric tonnes of goods, valued at $826.6 million, had been processed. In revenue terms, the command has achieved 89% of its N618 billion annual target, collecting N550.4 billion as of Monday.
Two suspects have been arrested concerning the latest drug seizures, with investigations underway. The seized items were formally handed over to NDLEA, Quarantine, and NAFDAC for further action.
