Nigeria Customs Seizes N4 Billion in Illicit Drugs, Hits Record Revenue Collection
Written by Agboola Oluwafemi on November 8, 2024
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Tincan Island Command announced it intercepted 16 containers loaded with illicit drugs, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and other contraband valued at over N4 billion in duty-paid value between May 17 and October 23, 2024.
Customs Area Controller Dera Nnadi, speaking to reporters in Apapa, Lagos, on Thursday, also highlighted a record-breaking revenue collection of N1.046 trillion between January and November 7, 2024, marking the first time the command reached this figure.
Nnadi credited this achievement to strong stakeholder cooperation, stating, “We are glad to announce that the command as of today the 7th of November 2024 has generated the sum of N1.046tn.”
Nnadi revealed that 13 containers containing illegal drugs will be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) after inspections by multiple agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The seized items include various controlled substances like codeine cough syrups, Barcadin, Broncleer, and DSP syrups, along with drugs like Tapentadol and Carisoprodol. “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,” he detailed.
In addition, the seized shipment included ceiling fans, stainless steel blenders, Deluxe Chilli Cutters, and Biomal Artesunate injections. These drugs originated from countries including India, the UK, and Canada.
Nnadi noted that the command had previously handed over 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, valued at N682 million, on October 2, 2024. “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 said.
Nnadi dedicated the success to Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi and the officers involved, reaffirming the command’s commitment to using all resources to prevent illegal pharmaceutical imports. “We are more than committed to delivering on this mandate,” he asserted.
With the holiday season approaching, Nnadi reassured compliant traders that there would be no delays in cargo delivery and warned that the command is “ready to enforce the requirements of our law” for those attempting to violate regulations.
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Author: Agboola Oluwafemi
Marketing Expert
