The Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS with its headquarters in Onne, Rivers State has intercepted twelve (12) containers of illicit goods with a Duty Paid Value DPV Thirty One Billion, Two Hundred Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Forty Two Naira (N31,200,688,142).
A breakdown of the intercepted illicit goods showed that One (1) x 40-feet container containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rainboots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦923,040,000; Three (3) x 40-feet containers having 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters with a DPV of ₦4,716,573,846.
Others include Three (3) x 40-feet containers containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦17,432,506,000;
Five (5) x 40-feet containers containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦8,128,568,295.90.
Speaking in a press conference at the Command’s headquarters in Onne on Wednesday, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi regretted the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port while reminding the stakeholders including the media of their shared responsibility in safeguarding the national security.
Recalling that the policy thrust of Mr. President supported the re-energizing of Nigeria’s business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow the nation’s capacity for exports, Adeniyi reiterated that the emphasis had been to promote initiatives that speaks to Trade facilitation and economic development.
He, however, regretted that criminal elements in the international supply chain were exploiting the Service’s pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.
The customs boss, therefore, declared that, “The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port. Coming on the heel of a seizure of a huge cache of arms a couple of months ago, it is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts.
“Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.
“Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are twelve (12) containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination.”
Insisting that the operation was not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of the Service’s intelligence network and the critical partnerships it maintained with other security agencies, he said, “I want to emphasize that this is not just a Customs issue – it is a national security concern that affects every Nigerian.
“We are therefore, calling on all patriotic citizens to assist us in this crucial endeavor. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions. Your information, no matter how small, could be the key to preventing a potential catastrophe.
“Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity.”
He thereafter assured the business community and legitimate importers that the measure was not aimed at disrupting lawful trade adding that “Our goal is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive.”
“We will work to ensure that lawful shipments are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible during this period. To those who may be tempted to continue these illegal activities, let me be clear: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation”, Adeniyi added.
He expressed his deep appreciation to the officers of the Area 2 Command for their relentless efforts in safeguarding the nation saying, “Your dedication to duty and your commitment to the fight against smuggling are commendable, and I want to assure you that your efforts do not go unnoticed.”
Adeniyi went on to explain that those seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items assuring that the illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items would be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing customs’ activities.
“I want to reiterate our commitment to continuing this momentum. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will leave no stone unturned in our mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians. We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law.
“I want to assure all Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to be a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods. We will remain steadfast in our duties to ensure that our nation remains a safe place for all to thrive”, the CGC assured.
Photo: Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs conducting journalists round the seizures at Area 2 Customs command headquarters in Onne, Rivers State Wednesday.
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