Onne Customs intercepts 12 containers of illicit goods worth ₦31B

… as CGC declares thorough examinations of all suspected containers.

Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted 12 containers of illicit goods with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦31,200,688,142 at the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command, Onne.

The Controller General of Customs (CGC), Comptroller Adewale Adeniyi, while announcing this in a press conference at the Command on Wednesday, lamented that the Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo.

“The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens,” he noted.

He also declared an implementation of emergency protocols and thorough examination of all suspected containers at the Port in the next three months.

A breakdown of the seizures on display were one 40-feet container containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a 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.

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.

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.

These interceptions bring the total DPV of the 12 seized containers to a staggering ₦31,200,688,142.

According to the CGC, “this operation is not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of our intelligence network and the critical partnerships we maintain with other security agencies.”

Emphasising that this menace is not just a Customs issue but a national security concern that affects every Nigerian, he called on all patriotic citizens to assist the NCS 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,” he pleaded.

“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,” Adeniyi declared.

However, he assured the business community and legitimate importers that this measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade but to create a safer, more secure 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,” he promised.

Stating that these seizures were made in strict compliance with Customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items, he announced that the illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in accordance with their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), “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,” he promised further.

The CGC expressed deep appreciation to the officers of the 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, and I want to assure you that your efforts do not go unnoticed,” he commended.