Seme Customs on a mission to save Nigerians : Seizes expired drugs worth N27.9million
Seme Customs on a mission to save Nigerians : Seizes expired drugs worth N27.9million
...Hands over 553 parcels of cannabis sativa to NDLEA
Apparently, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Seme Border Command, Compt Dera Nnadi mni, is not only anti-smuggling Czar, but on a mission to save the lives of innocent Nigerians from nefarious activities of smugglers.
This is evident in the mind-boggling seizure of unregistered pharmaceuticals worth over N27.9million, made by Compt Nnadi and his enforcement team.
The CAC also handed over 553 parcels of CANNABIS SATIVA to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), all in a bid to protect the health of the nation.
Addressing Journalists while unveiling the pharmaceutical products at Seme Command, Compt Nnadi pointed out : “Recall that upon my resumption as the Area Controller, I pledged to adopt new strategies that could boost trade while enforcing the nation’s anti-smuggling laws along Abidjan Lagos Corridor (ALCO), in line with ECOWAS protocols on free movement of goods and persons.
“Officers and Men of the Command have since keyed into our reform policies. This translated into remarkable achievements recorded by the Command since my assumption as the Area Controller in January this year.
“On May 9, 2023 at about 0830hrs, officers and men of Seme Command of Nigeria Customs Service while conducting stop and search along Abidjan Lagos Corridor, intercepted a truck with registration number GL 6663 GH belonging to one of the major conglomerates, concealed with some cartons of pharmaceutical products.
“The truck was taken to our station at Seme for proper examination. The following unregistered pharmaceutical products were discovered: MORPHINE SULFATE 100ml x 1076 bottles; AMODIAQUINE SUSPENSION 60ml x 94 bottles;
VERMOX 500mg x 2970 packages x 1 sachet x 1 tablet.
“Others include MEPACRINE TABLETS 100mg x 390 packets x 1000 tablets;
CLOFENAC SR 100mg x 298 packets x 10 sachets x 10 tablets; LOSARTAIL POTASSIUM 50mg x 1485 packages x 2 sachets x 28 tablets; VIREST 400 ACICLOVIR tablets; B.P 400mg x 499 packages x 5 sachets x 5 tablets”.
He explained : “The seized unregistered pharmaceutical products have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N27, 861, 538.00, approximately N27.9million.
“This seizure contravened both Nigeria Customs Service, banning importation of pharmaceutical products through the land border without approval and further contravened NAFDAC laws, as the items do not have NAFDAC registration numbers”.
He went on : “Furthermore, five out of the seven seized pharmaceutical products have expired.”
Compt Nnadi expressed his displeasure on activities of economic saboteurs : “The Command and indeed well-meaning Nigerians are worried about this particular seizure, considering the dangerous use of morphine. This drug can be deployed for illicit use to aid criminals.”
He affirmed : “Let me reiterate our commitment to fight smuggling under any guise and also state that those trying our resolve will continue to meet their water-loo, as we remain resolute at ensuring adequate surveillance of our borders”.
“While we draw your attention to this development, recall that, on April 21, 2023, officers of Seme Command on a routine patrol along Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, intercepted a Ford Bus conveying seven large sacks containing 553 parcels of hard drugs and four suspects were also arrested in connection with the seizure.
“In line with the dictates of Nigeria Customs Service in promoting inter-agency collaboration, the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Hameed Ibrahim Ali, directed that the seized items and suspects be handed over to NDLEA for further investigation.
“To this end, the 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa and two suspects are today being handed over to NDLEA. The two other suspects had earlier been handed over to the sister security agency for necessary action.”
He enthused : “Once again, let me thank the CGC and the management of Customs for the encouragement and support given to the Command. I also give credit for our successes to the tireless effort of officers and men of Seme Area Command for their doggedness”.
Our News inquest revealed that Compt Nnadi, has been working assiduously to protect the nation’s economy from influx of offensive items through Seme Border. His rejigged operational strategies have yielded tremendous results, as shown in the feats made by the Command in the last few months.