In a recent press conference, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, addressed the media on the significant seizures of illicit goods by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Area 2 Command, Onne Port.
The announcement came after Adeniyi’s participation in the inauguration of upgraded trade facilitation facilities provided by the West African Container Terminal (WACT) at Onne.
Adeniyi highlighted the increasing threats to national security posed by illicit cargo entering Onne Port. Despite efforts to boost trade and streamline import processes, the port has become a focal point for illegal activities.
Recent operations have led to the interception of twelve containers of prohibited items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦31.2 billion.
The seized goods include:
– One 40-foot container with 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of rubber footwear, valued at ₦923 million.
– Three 40-foot containers with 562,600 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and 3,150 chili cutters, valued at ₦4.7 billion.
– Three 40-foot containers with 380,000 bottles of cough syrup with codeine, 24.48 million tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5.35 million tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, among other items, valued at ₦17.4 billion.
– Five 40-foot containers with 892,400 bottles of cough syrup with codeine, 1.3 million tablets of diclofenac, 7.25 million tablets of Trodol Benzhexol, among other items, valued at ₦8.1 billion.
Adeniyi declared a state of emergency at Onne Port and outlined emergency protocols for the next three months, which will involve thorough examinations of all suspected containers.
He assured the business community and legitimate importers that these measures aim to secure the port without disrupting lawful trade.
He called on citizens to provide intelligence on those involved in these illegal activities and assured that the Nigeria Customs Service,
in collaboration with other security agencies, will enforce the law rigorously against offenders.
Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the officers of the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their vigilance and dedication.
He emphasized the NCS’s commitment to protecting national security and public health, pledging continued efforts to combat smuggling and illegal imports.
The seized pharmaceuticals will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as per established agreements, while other items will be managed according to legal frameworks.
In conclusion, Adeniyi assured Nigerians of the NCS’s unwavering resolve to safeguard the nation and support the business environment.
