By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nigerian Custom Service (NCS), has seized 12 containers laden with illicit drugs with duty-paid value of over N20.3 billion at the Onne Port in Rivers State in December, 2024.
The Command also generated a total revenue of N634 billion in the same month.
Customs Area 2 Comptroller, Mohammed Babandede, made this known while briefing journalists at Onne Port on Tuesday, December 31.
Babandedd told the journalists that the seized containers contained 1,721,100 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine, 510,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac and 7,100,000 tablets of 225mg Royal apple Tramadol and Tramaking.
According to him, 3,461 pieces of sanitary ware fittings, 840 pieces of Chilly cutter and 153 cartons of TVS rubber were used to conceal the Illicit drugs in the 12 containers.
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He said: “I am pleased to inform you that the Nigerian Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne, has recorded another remarkable achievement in our ongoing battle against smuggling and illicit trade, while announcing the seizure of the 12 containers.
“This latest seizure underscores the passion and diligence of the officers and men of the Onne Command in ensuring the illicit drug and other harmful goods do not find their way into our country through our area of responsibility, he said, disclosing, “Our efforts are geared towards securing the health and safety of our citizens while upholding the integrity of entry points into the country through the Onne Port axis.”
Babandede appreciated the continued support and collaboration of all stakeholders, including the media, in amplifying our message and efforts to combat smuggling, saying: “Together, we can build a safer and healthier nation.”
The Customs Area 2 Comptroller also stated that the Command generated a total revenue of N634 billion as at December 31, 2024, which is higher that N618 billion revenue target given to it for the year.
“Earlier in the year, the Command was given a revenue target of N618 billion,” he recalled, declaring, “I am glad to inform you that as at this morning, December 31, 2024, the Command, with the aid of stakeholder engagement, synergy, collaboration and intelligence sharing, has surpassed the target given by generating a total revenue of N634 billion, which accounts for 103 percent of the annual target.”
He said the amount is over the 2023 collection with N321 billion and represents 98 percent increase over the 2023 generated revenue.
