Yuletide: Illicit drugs rock Apapa port, as customs seize Cocaine Worth N13.6bn

By Seun Ibiyemi

Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) recorded a seizure of 46.55 kg of cocaine concealed on vessels MV KARTERIA and CHAYANEE NAREE with a street value of N13.2 billion was also recorded on two different occasions in November at Apapa Command.

Comptroller Yusuf Ibrahim Malanta (middle) flanked by senior officers during a briefing in Apapa Command.

Customs Area Controller of Apapa Customs, Comptroller Yusuf Ibrahim Malanta stated this in Lagos on Tuesday, saying that this brought the total number of seizures to 97 seizures between January-November 2021 with overall duty paid value of N7.8 billion.

Recall that seizure of 46.55 kg of cocaine concealed on vessels MV KARTERIA and CHAYANEE NAREE with a street value of N13.2 billion was also recorded recently by the Command.

“Notable among the seized items are hard substance like Captagon pills, Cocaine, Tramadol, Codeine syrup, Foreign par boiled rice, Tomato paste, Used clothings.

“These were seizures made based on clear contravention of sections 46, 47 and 161 of CEMA (Customs and Excise Management Act) Cap C45 LFN 2004.

“We will not sacrifice proper examination on the altar of trade facilitation, and we will not relent on sharing intelligence to alert the system on false declaration even after examination or release of falsely declared item”

“Concealments will always be unveiled through the use of forensic manifest management system and synergy with other sister agencies in the port.

“While appreciating our compliant traders for keeping to the rules of engagement on import and export procedures by adhering to the dictates of import/export guidelines, I would like to warn perpetrators of illegalities that our officers are always vigilant to uncover any form of unlawful trade.”