Nigeria's Ports No Longer Safe Havens for Smugglers of Illicit Drugs, Expired Pharmaceuticals, Other Prohibited Goods - CG Adeniyi
Bisi Akingbade
The Comptroller General of Customs, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,MFR, has sent a clear and unmistakable message to those who seek to use the ports to traffic illicit drugs, expired
pharmaceuticals or other prohibited goods, that Nigeria's ports are no longer safe havens for smugglers or organised criminal networks.
Speaking to newsmen at the handover of seized narcotic drugs and expired pharmaceuticals, held at Apapa Area command, he said Nigeria Customs Service is steadily closing the gaps previously exploited by the criminal snydicates through technology, intelligence, coordinated border management and the professionalism of officers.
"We shall continue to intercept, expose and prosecute all those who
threaten our economy, compromise public health or undermine the
security of our nation. Together with our partner agencies, we remain
steadfast in protecting our borders, facilitating legitimate trade, preserving
the health of our citizens and securing the future of our country.
He related this to the deliberation held at the Council of World Customs Organisation, in Brussels with over 187 members countries on the theme “Customs Protecting the Society
through Vigilance and Commitment.
He said the sessions also provided us the opportunity to engage with critical stakeholders like the International
Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and INTERPOL and deepen international cooperation to advance our societal protection mandate.
"Today's briefing specifically relates to Nine (9) seizures recently recorded by the Apapa Area Command following painstaking intelligence
gathering, scanning analysis, physical examination and active
collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA).
The seizures comprise:
a. i. A 1x40ft container with number CAAU7569127 found to
contain 3,639 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Canadian Loud)
weighing 1819.5 kilograms, concealed alongside three
imported vehicles and assorted automobile spare parts.
ii. Another 1x40ft container with number HAMU3246311
conveying 9,918 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 4.95 metric tones, concealed alongside two
imported vehicles and household items. Others include
b. i. A 1x40ft container with number MRKU3816476 conveying
1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP)
concealed with 38 cartons of insulated casserole dishes.
ii.
Another 1x40ft container with number TGBU5399178
conveying 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of Codeine
Syrup (CSP) concealed inside 36 cartons of casserole
products.
c. i. Similarly, a 1x40ft container with number HASU4519480
conveying 1,300 cartons of expired pharmaceutical
products, including Tramadol (Timakadol).
ii. 1x40ft container with number MRKU4961275 conveying
1,269 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products,
including Oxytocin injections, Mexclor Eye Drops and
Carbamazepine tablets (Termigral brand).
iii. Another consignment in a 1x40ft container number
PCIU8771576
comprising
expired pharmaceutical
products, including Cloxicillin capsules 100mg, Cynamine 12
Vitamin B12 injections and Becoline B-Complex injections.
All intercepted for regulatory action.
d. A 1x20ft container with number MRKU 6964435 conveying
Piccan Teething Powder.
The remaining goods shall be in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service for seizure, forfeiture, condemnation, revenue recovery and other enforcement actions as provided by law," the CGC stated.
CG Adeniyi commended the officers and men of the Apapa Area Command
for their professionalism, vigilance and unwavering dedication to duty. "I
equally appreciate the sustained collaboration between the Nigeria
Customs Service, the NDLEA, NAFDAC and other security agencies
whose partnership continues to strengthen Nigeria's border security
architecture.
"The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to deepen collaboration
with all relevant government agencies, the private sector and our
international partners to deny criminal organisations the opportunity to
exploit Nigeria's ports and borders. Our resolve is unwavering; every
intelligence lead will be pursued, every violation thoroughly investigated
and every offender brought to justice in accordance with the law. We
remain committed to building a secure trading environment that protects our economy, safeguards public health and reinforces national security.
CG Adeniyi reiterated that "We shall continue to intercept, expose and prosecute all those who threaten our economy, compromise public health or undermine the security of our nation. Together with our partner agencies, we remain steadfast in protecting our borders, facilitating legitimate trade, preserving the health of our citizens and securing the future of our country.
