ZAINAB JUNAID
TinCan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has again recorded a giant stride with significant seizures of unregistered pharmaceutical products and illicit psychotropic substances valued at N4,180,339,348.00k, under the leadership of Comptroller Dera Nnadi.
Speaking during a press briefing addressed by the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, at the Command’s Headquarters in Lagos on Friday, June 14, 2024, CGC Adewale revealed that TinCan Island Port Command intercepted two containers of unwholesome importations comprising of 01x40ft container of regulated unregistered pharmaceutical products and another 01x40ft container of illicit psychotropic substances.
According to him, plastic drums concealing several packets of Cannabis Indica, 46bags containing 2,144 packets of Cannabis Indica all weighing 1,072 kilogrammes (kg) were seized from 01x40ft Container with registration number- GAOU 669921/5. The container was imported from Canada and the approximate street value of the illicit substances is N3, 216,000,000.00 (Three Billion Two Hundred Sixteen Million Naira Only).
“877 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine- 200 bottles of 100ml per carton and 82 cartons of Really Extra Diclofenac Sodium 50mg tablets – 600 packs per carton imported from India was seized. The approximate street value of the cough syrup is N964, 339,348.00 (Nine Hundred and Sixty Four Million, Three Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty Eight Naira Only),” he said.
The CGC emphasized that though the seizures indicated troubling trend and the evolving tactics of criminality and insecurity in the country, despite the call to all perpetrators to desist from the illicit act, the massive seizures is an evident that NCS has resolved to remain vigilant and showcase it’s ability to intercept and disrupt activities of those who seek to harm the nation
“The NCS will continue to work closely with relevant national and international agencies to conduct operations that lead to the interception of illegal goods and the disruption of criminal networks. We urge all patriotic Nigerians to continue their legitimate business activities, and be assured that NCS is actively working with stakeholders to ease the challenges faced by businesses and the general public,” he added.
He restated that the Nigerian government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Administration is poised to stabilize the economy and create an environment where all citizens can thrive and prosper.
“As part of these efforts, the NCS plays a crucial role not only in revenue collection from legitimate trade but also in the protection of our society
“I appreciate your presence once again at this critical press conference, where recent seizures of unregistered drugs were highlighted, revealing the persistent challenges posed by sophisticated smuggling networks. Investigations are currently ongoing, and perpetuators will be made to serve the full wrath of the law. Let this seizure serve as a warning to those who engage in illicit activities that the NCS remains vigilant and dedicated to protecting our society. NCS is more than ever committed to ensuring that the benefits of a stable and prosperous economy are enjoyed by all Nigerians,” he stated.
He equally appreciated the ongoing collaborative efforts between the Service and the Nigeria Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as it consistently yielded positive results.
To him, “Recall that in the past, I have reiterated that the collaborative synergy between NCS and its sister agencies exemplifies the effectiveness of pooling resources and intelligence, reinforcing the commitment of our agencies to safeguarding the nation’s borders and protecting its citizens from the threats posed by smuggling”.
