.As CGC pledges to rid the ports of smugglers
By Emeka Okoroanyanwu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized contraband goods worth over N31 billion at the Onne Port.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi while briefing the press at the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command, Onne on Wednesday disclosed that recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend at the Onne Port showing that the port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. He said the scale and nature of the illegal importations pose a significant threat to national security and the health of Nigerian citizens.
He said: “Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command.
“On display are twelve containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination”.
The items, 2024 he said, include one 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 ₦923,040,000, three 40-feet containers containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of ₦4,716,573,846 and three 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, and other items, with a DPV of ₦17,432,506,000.
Others are five 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 ₦8,128,568,295.90.
The interceptions, according to the CGC, bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering ₦31,200,688,142.00.
CGC Adeniyi said that the operation is not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of intelligence network and the critical partnerships the Service maintains with other security agencies.
The CGC added: “I want to emphasize that this is not just a Customs issue – it is a 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 and their intentions.
” 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.”
CGC Adeniyi assured the business community and legitimate importers that the measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade, but that the goal is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive. He added that they will work to ensure that lawful shipments are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible during this period.
He warned those who may be tempted to continue with the illegal activities, that the Nigeria Customs Service in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in crimes against the country.
The CGC informed journalists that the seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items.
The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, he said, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in accordance with their Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing Customs activities.
CGC Adeniyi says that he “deeply appreciates the officers and men of the Onne Command for the relentless efforts in safeguarding the nation”.
He vowed that the Nigeria Customs Service under his leadership, would leave no stone unturned in its 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 CGC said.