The Nigeria Customs Service has reiterated its desire to continue to build on the existing inter-agency cooperation with all concerned regulatory agencies, to ensure that illicit and uncustomed goods are intercepted at the ports, for the good of the nation’s economy and Nigeria as a whole.
The Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Port command, Lagos, Comptroller Yusuf Bashar stated this while handing over a 40ft container with number MRKU 519445/3 containing cartons of Spectradol (Tramadol) capsules of various milligrams, Spectra-Doxycycline capsules of various milligrams as well as Jinart tablets to the officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Other drugs seized are Clarinthromycin tablets of five hundred milligrams and Jincold-Extra Strength capsules of various milligrams.
Speaking on the negative effect of the drugs on the teeming Nigerian youths, the CAC stated that the products are highly regulated and Nigerian youths consume them illegally at an alarming proportion to the extent that it more often than not lead them into committing despicable acts that will certainly have far reaching negative implications on their health in particular and the nation at large.
Comptroller Bashar who linked the frequency of drugs seizures in recent times to the impending election year, said it portends evil for the nation as the election year is drawing near and consumption of drugs like these by the youths would push them into reprehensible and deplorable acts.
He listed the number of seizures the command had made recently to include arms, cars, drugs and others, and expressed regrets that an importer who declared pharmaceutical products as imported vehicles and the other container as containing Computer Accessories, has no good intention for the nation and the people.
“It’s not just about money but the health and well-being of the people, every Nigerian should show care about the life of Nigerians and its not about revenue nor trade facilitation but about the good of Nigeria and Nigerians, so this must stop”, he said.
The Comptroller who disclosed the identity of the Importer as Jin Spectra Pharmaceutical Limited of No. 3 Festing Road, Kano also said that the Clearing Agency is Febeaco Nigeria Limited of 29 Apapa/Oshodi Expressway, Ibafon, Apapa- Lagos, expressed utmost confidence in the officials of the Nigerian Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) whom he hinted would effectively complete the investigation and bring the importers to book by using the address and the information provided.
Comptroller Yusuf Bashar however noted that the Nigeria Customs Service would not allow unpatriotic and inconsiderate importers and agents to use Tincan Island port as a dumping ground to perpetrate their illegal operations, recalling that some weeks ago two (2) containers of falsely declared similar Pharmaceutical Products were also handed over to NAFDAC at the Command.
According to him, there are over one hundred million youths in Nigeria and if allowed unregulated access to these drugs, it would portend great danger for the nation.
The CAC noted that constant usage of dangerous drugs has exposed the youths to regrettable actions as he handed over the container to the Commander, Nigerian Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Tincan Island Port command, Mr. Nse Jack.
Receiving the consignment on behalf of the Chairman of NDLEA, the Commander, Tincan Island Port, Mr. Nse Jack commended the Customs Area Controller for his consistent commitment to the concept of inter-agency collaboration and synergy over time assuring the CAC that NDLEA will conduct further due diligence test to unravel details of the importer for eventual prosecution of suspects.
Mr. Jack however wished that the good works of Comptroller Bashar would be emulated by other commands for the overall benefit of the nation.
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