Customs seizes seven containers laden with N11bn worth of contraband

…Generates over N312bn in six months

By Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area II, Onne Port in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, has announced the seizure of 40-foot containers containing contraband valued at over N11 billion.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday at Onne, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Mohammed Babandede, disclosed that the contraband includes 1,054,400 bottles of various cough syrups containing codeine (100ml), 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 2,175,000 tablets of Hygergra (200mg), and 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief (50mg).

Babandede emphasised that these illicit items were imported by unpatriotic individuals with the intent to sabotage the country’s economy.

He expressed regret that this incident follows a recent discovery of arms and ammunition imported through the Onne Port, prompting a visit from the Controller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the Area II Command.

Recalling the directives of the CGC, Babandede highlighted the intensified efforts of Area II Command against such criminal activities.

The CAC estimated the seized items’ value at N11.2 billion and confirmed that the confiscated drugs would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

Babandede issued a stern warning that Area II Command, under his supervision, would not tolerate any actions compromising the country’s economy and security. He credited the successful seizures to the collaborative efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA, based on actionable intelligence.

“In accordance with the CGC’s policy of collaboration and consultation, the Command swiftly acted upon credible intelligence on several 40-foot containers. In cooperation with the NDLEA Onne Port Chapter, these containers were identified, positioned, and jointly examined in the presence of other relevant agencies,” said CAC Babandede.

Regarding revenue generation, Babandede reported that the Command had achieved a total of N312,094,367,124.58, which represents 50.5 percent of its annual target for 2024. He noted that in July alone, the Command generated N48,056,806,692.00, with several working days still remaining in the month.

He reassured the public that the Command remained committed to enhancing its revenue profile while ensuring public health and safety.