Breaking News : Customs at TinCan Port rejects N50million bribe, records massive seizure of illicit drugs worth over N550.3million

Breaking News :  Customs at TinCan Port rejects N50million bribe,
records massive seizure of illicit drugs worth over N550.3million

…Arrests 2 suspects 

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of TinCan Island Port Command, Compt A. Adekunle Oloyede and his team have demonstrated doggedness and integrity in public office, as they made massive seizure of illicit drugs concealed with various items, worth over N550.3million.

Most remarkably, Compt Oloyede and his enforcement officers rejected a whopping sum of N50million bribe offered by the importers and seized the dangerous drugs, in effort to save the health of the nation.

The team displayed a high level of intelligence in uncovering the illicit drugs concealed by the importers in a bid to escape security checks at the seaport.

Addressing Journalists during a press conference, the CAC informed :
“The Command received timely intelligence on suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs, (unregistered regulated pharmaceutical products) concealed in 2 by 40ft containers with Bill of lading Nos 227578945 and 227898171.

“On arrival of the vessel in Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT), the containers (MRSU 592397/0 and MRKU 553432/1) were transferred immediately to Enforcement Station for 100 percent physical examination.

“The physical examination was conducted on both containers by Enforcement Officers, Customs Intelligence Operatives, Customs Police and Examination officers of the Terminal on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at about 14:00hours and Wednesday, 23 August 2023 at about 13:00hours, respectively.

“The following were discovered:
Container No MRSU 592397/0: The details on the Bill of Lading with No 227578945 stated that the items laden were 1,016 packages containing electrical goods like ceiling fan, 36 Jewel (Cooper) and Chilly Cutters (Stainless Steel + Plastic); but after examination, the container was found to contain 5 cartons of Timaking 120 Tapentadol (Tramadol) Hydrochloride Carisoprodol capsule. Each carton contains 50 rolls, each rolls contains 5 packets, each packet 200 tablets.

“84 cartons of Gastro Resistant Omeprazole capsule BP 200mg. Each carton contains 50 packets, each packet contains 10 capsules. 876 cartons of CSMIX cough syrup containing Codeine (each bottle 100ml). Each carton contains 200 bottles. 50 cartons of Manual Grater Machine-70 pieces per carton were used as means of concealment. Also, one carton of Ceiling Fan as means of concealment.

“Container No MRKU 553432/1; the details on Bill of Landing with number 227898171 stated that the items laden were 1,021 packages containing Electrical Goods – Ceiling Fan 36 Jewel (Cooper) and Chilly Cutter (Stainless Steel, Plastic); but after examination, the container was found to contain:
10 cartons of Super Royal 225 (Tramadol). Each carton contains 50 rolls, each roll contains 10 packets, each packet 10 tablets. 105 cartons of Omeprazole Capsule BP 200mg. Each carton contains 50 packets, each packet contains 10 capsules. 754 cartons of Barcadin with Codeine (each bottle 100ml). Each carton contains 200 bottles.

“50 cartons of Manual Grater Machine, 70 pieces per carton as means of concealment. One carton of Compo Ceiling Fan as means of concealment.”

Speaking further, Compt Oloyede pointed out :  “The Unregistered’ pharmaceutical products intercepted are regulated products by NAFDAC but didn’t have the required permits and certificates for importation in which the documents are to ascertain the safety of the products to Nigerians, hence these illicit dangerous drugs were concealed.

“Two suspects have been arrested and are presently at the custody of the Enforcement Unit in accordance with the investigation process of the Service. One of the suspects in custody, Mr. Boniface Ike, accepted that he is the owner (Importer) of the two containers and sought to discuss privately with OC Enforcement, DC GI Aliyu and Team Manager CIU, AC H Abubakar.

“I instructed my officers to play along, the request was granted in expectation of receiving vital information from the suspect but to their bewilderment, the suspect pleaded for his freedom from detention and release of the containers while offering gratification to the tune of N50million equivalent to $54,330 at the current exchange rate N920.

“The money was collected and kept in safe custody at the Enforcement Unit to be tendered as exhibit.”

He emphasised :  “The Nigeria Customs Service will not be a part of nefarious acts, which will jeopardise the safety and lives of the citizens of our dear country, Nigeria.  Any fraudulent importer or agent who tries to perpetrate such acts will be prosecuted accordingly.

“The suspects, containers and the exhibit will be handed over to the Agencies in charge of regulation of such importation, as soon as the Service directs. The Service may decide to prosecute according to Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023).”

Also, through intensive surveillance, a Container No. TTNU 804678/9 was seized with frozen Poultry Products. Single Goods Declaration (SGD), other supporting documents (Form M and PAAR) stated Tangerines used to conceal the poultry products actually imported. The goods were falsely declared and the Container has been seized for contravention of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023).

The CAC stressed :  “The persistent fraudulent nature of Importers and Agents drives us to be more innovative in putting methods and measures to combat smuggling activities, ensure no leakage of revenue to the Government and safety of Nigerians. The Command in particular and the Service in general will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at our disposal, in collaboration with other Security and Regulatory Agencies to check the menace of illegal importation of illicit drugs and substances”.