• Warns importers, customs agents against non-compliance to trade regulations
• Dedicates achievement on N1.046trilion collection to the CGC Adeniyi, management team
BY GODWIN OBI
The Tin Can island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday unveiled 16 containers seized as a result of illicit substances, unregistered pharmaceutical products and other items.
The Command also announced the collection of N1.046trillion revenue between January and November 7 this year, the first in the history of the Command.
Controller of the Command, Compt. Edera Nnadi, at a press briefing in Lagos gave details of the seizures as
“Codeine-based products: Numerous shipments of cough syrups with codeine; Barcadin with Codeine, Broncleer with Codeine, and DSP with Codeine for throat and chesty cough (100ml, 200 bottles per carton)”.
Others were, “Tapentadol & Carisoprodol: 420 cartons of Royal 225 (Tapentadol HVCL 125mg and Carisoprodol BP 100mg).
Benzhexol Tablets: 200 cartons of 5mg Benzhexol Tablets (Brand: Trodal).
Cannabis Indica: 77 packets (38.5kg), 532 packets (265.025kg), and 75 packets (37.5kg).
Diclofenac Sodium Tablets: Really Extra brand (50mg, 100 packs per carton) and BiomalArtesunate Injection.
Other goods include Ceiling fans, Deluxe Chilli Cutters and stainless steel blenders
Nnadi identified vessels of importation which came from India, United Kingdom and Canada as
“SpilKartika (Hapag Lloyd, voyage No. 2417W)
“Volana (Hapag Lloyd, voyage Nos. 2416W, 2421W)
“Maliako (Hapag Lloyd, voyage No. 2421W)
“WadiBani Khalid (Hapag Lloyd, voyage Nos. 2423W)
“MSC Sweden VI and MSC Katyayni NY427A”.
The Controller said that the containers were
inspected by multiple enforcement agencies including Customs, NDLEA, and NAFDAC.
He also disclosed that the containers have been handed 13 containers of the unregistered pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC.
He recalled that on October 2, 2024, the Tincan Island Port Command officially handed over 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing a total of 341.025 kg, with an estimated street value of ₦682,050,000.00.
These narcotics, Nnadi said, were discovered in three 40ft containers Nos: MSMU 518030/2, MSMU 602957/0, and FSCU 927461/3), as part of the efforts of the Command to strengthen interagency collaboration and coordination.
He warned that the Command in particular and the Service in general will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at its disposal and in collaboration with local and foreign partner security and regulatory agencies check the menace of illegal importation of unregistered pharmaceutical products into the country.
“ We are more than committed to deliver on this mandate”, he said.
On the N1.046trillion, the Command said, it “wishes to celebrate this milestone of collecting over One Trillion Naira as Customs duty being the first time this has been achieved in its history”.
Nnnadi added, “I dedicate this achievement to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and his management team.
“The Command acknowledges the specific roles of the DCG Tariff and Trade and the DCG ICT /Modernization for their contributions too.
“Aware that a secured border will translate to more revenue at the seaports, we also appreciate the support of the DCG The Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported significant achievements in its operations, including the seizure of 16 containers with illicit substances, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and other contraband, as well as a record-breaking revenue collection of ₦1.046 trillion between January and November 7, 2024.Seized ItemsThe seized items included:Codeine-based products: Various shipments of cough syrups containing codeine.Tapentadol & Carisoprodol: 420 cartons of the drug Royal 225 (Tapentadol and Carisoprodol).Benzhexol Tablets: 200 cartons of 5mg Benzhexol tablets.Cannabis Indica: Multiple packets weighing a total of 341.025 kg.Other Pharmaceuticals: Diclofenac Sodium tablets (50mg), Biomal Artesunate injections.Miscellaneous Goods: Ceiling fans, chili cutters, and stainless steel blenders.The illicit items were imported via vessels from India, the UK, and Canada, including ships like SpilKartika and MSC Sweden VI. These goods were intercepted following inspections by the NCS, NDLEA, and NAFDAC.Collaboration and ComplianceInteragency Cooperation: The Command handed over 13 containers of unregistered pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC and 341.025 kg of cannabis to NDLEA.Anti-Smuggling Efforts: NCS emphasized its resolve to combat the illegal importation of harmful substances through collaboration with local and international regulatory agencies.Historic Revenue CollectionFor the first time, the Tin Can Island Command collected over ₦1 trillion in revenue. The Command attributed this success to reforms, compliance by stakeholders, and the support of key NCS officials, including Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the DCGs of Tariff, Trade, and ICT/Modernization.Controller Edera Nnadi commended stakeholders who adhered to Customs regulations, while cautioning non-compliant entities about the consequences of their actions. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enhancing border security and maintaining high revenue performance.
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2024-11-05