Seizures of N31.2bn killer items : Customs CG raises red flag !!!

Seizures of N31.2bn killer items : Customs CG raises red flag !!!
…Says Onne Port becoming a destination for dangerous cargo

“Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo.”

Above were the words of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, as he unveiled massive seizures of dangerous items worth over N31.2billion, at Onne Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt.

Speaking during a press conference at Onne Command, yesterday, Wednesday, August 4, 2024, The CGC added; “The attempt to test our will with importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port. Coming on the heel of a seizure of huge cache of arms few months ago, it is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts”.

He frowned : The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.”

The items on display were 12 containers of illicit goods intercepted through intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and meticulous physical examination.

The seizures include 1 x 40-feet container: Containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N923,040,000.
3 x 40-feet containers: containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 chilly cutters, with DPV of N4,716,573,846.
3 x 40-feet containers: containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, with a DPV of N17,432,506,000. 5 x 40-feet containers: containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of N8,128,568,295.90.

The CGC revealed :  “These interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to N31,200,688,142. This operation is not only a testament to Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to effectiveness of our intelligence network and the critical partnerships we maintain with other security agencies.

“This is not just Customs issue – it is national security concern that affects every Nigerian. We are therefore calling on all patriotic citizens to assist us in this crucial endeavour. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts.

“Your information, no matter how small, could be the key to preventing a potential catastrophe. Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity.

” I want to assure the business community and legitimate importers that this measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade. Our goal is to create a safer environment for genuine business activities to thrive.

We will work to ensure that lawful shipments are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible during this period. To those who may be tempted to continue these illegal activities, let me be clear: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation.

“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the officers of Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their relentless efforts in safeguarding our nation. Your dedication to duty and your commitment to the fight against smuggling are commendable. I want to assure you that your efforts do not go unnoticed”.

“These seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration and importation of prohibited items. The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities.”

“As we move forward, I want to reiterate our commitment to continuing this momentum. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will leave no stone unturned in our mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians. We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law”.

“The Service will continue to be a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and illegal importation of harmful goods. We will remain steadfast in our duties to ensure that our nation remains a safe place for all to thrive.”