By Barth Ndubuwah and Adeyanju Esther
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area 1, Port Harcourt, has handed over illicit drugs seized at the Port Harcourt International Airport to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The ceremony took place on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Comptroller Mustapha Hashim addressed journalists and stakeholders, explaining that the successful seizure was the result of collaboration among the Nigeria Customs and other security agencies, aided by effective intelligence.
The seizure included nine packages of tafradol 200mg tablets smuggled into the country in two batches, falsely declared as medical equipment. The consignment contained 5,500 packs of tablets, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N550 million.
A suspect, identified as Patrick Agbo, a Customs agent, has been arrested in connection with the case.
“To ensure proper handling of these items, I will formally transfer the seized packages to the NDLEA, Port Harcourt International Airport Command for safekeeping and further investigation, in accordance with relevant laws,” Hashim stated.
He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing drug-related issues and maintaining proper procedures for handling illegal substances. Hashim commended his dedicated officers for their bravery and urged them to continue their efforts against economic sabotage.
He warned potential offenders of severe consequences, aligning with the stance of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, noting that the NCS is increasingly equipped to intercept illegal activities.
In response, NDLEA Commander Negedu Nathaniel affirmed the importance of synergy among security agencies. “Having received the seized drugs, we are also awaiting the arrival of the suspect for further investigation,” he said.
Additionally, the NCS Federal Operations Unit Zone C reported intercepting contraband goods valued at a DPV of N510.92 million from July 15 to September 15, 2024.
Comptroller Michael Ugbagu disclosed these figures while presenting the seized items to relevant agencies at the Government Warehouse in Edo. He noted that the zone also recovered N25.57 million from demand notices for various infractions, bringing the total amount to N536.49 million during the review period.
Ugbagu highlighted the concerning nature of the intercepted items, which included 49,699 sachets of tramadol and 3,350 bottles of unregistered cough syrups containing codeine.
He stressed the potential harm these substances could pose to youths if they had not been intercepted.
“More concerning is the interception of 49,699 sachets of various brands of tramadol and 3,350 bottles of different cough syrups containing codeine without NAFDAC registration numbers,” he said.
The items were primarily seized along the Ewu-Okada/Benin expressways based on credible intelligence.