N11.2bn losses, jail term await owners of deadly cargoes …As Customs in Onne Command intercepts 7 containers of drugs

N11.2bn losses, jail term await owners of deadly cargoes
…As Customs in Onne Command intercepts 7 containers of drugs

Indeed, it’s a dark moment for owners of seven containers of drugs, as N11.2billion losses and prosecution await them.

The reason being that the Customs operatives at Onne Command in Port Harcourt, outsmarted importers of the consignments and swiftly seized all their wares.

Unveiling the seized drugs before Journalists, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede
informed : “A total of 7 containers were seized. These containers were found with 1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrup, codeine (100ml), 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter,
2,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg), 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg)”.

Compt Babandede revealed : “The seized items are estimated at N11.2billion, which represents a huge loss on the part of those involved, despite the fact of a jail term that awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation.”

Speaking further, the Area Controller expressed displeasure on activities of unpatriotic Nigerians engaging in illicit trade to the detriment of the nation’s economy. He frowned : “It is worrisome that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose. The seized Cough Syrup Codeine and Tablets would be handed over formally to the NDLEA in due course for further investigation.

“We wish to reiterate the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne under the present Comptroller General of Customs will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation.”

Onne Command also made impressive performance in revenue collection as disclosed by the Area Controller. He said :  “The Command in first half of 2024 generated a total of N312billion, which translates to 50.5 percent of the annual target given to the Command. At present, the Command has generated over N48billion in the month of July.

“We are determined to increase our revenue profile and at the same time work tirelessly in protecting public health and safety.”

Recall that on July 1, 2024, the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, was in Onne Command, where he unveiled massive seizures of arms, ammunition and drugs.

The CGC, who addressed a press conference while showcasing the mind-blowing seizures advised importers to engage in legitimate trade to promote economic growth, few weeks after the Command is making seizures of restricted drugs. This implies that some individuals are out to sabotage government’s effort in growing the economy.