The Nigeria Customs Service at the Tincan Island Command in Lagos announced the interception of 16 containers loaded with unregistered pharmaceutical products, illicit drugs, and other prohibited items between May 17 and October 23, 2024.
The seized goods have a duty-paid value of approximately N4 billion, according to Customs Area Controller Dera Nnadi.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday at the Tincan Island Command in Apapa, Nnadi revealed that the command has collected a record-breaking N1.046 trillion in revenue from January to November 7, 2024.
He emphasized that this achievement, a first for the command, was made possible through close cooperation with stakeholders.
“We are glad to announce that the command, as of today, November 7, 2024, has generated the sum of N1.046 trillion,” Nnadi stated, attributing the accomplishment to strong stakeholder collaboration.
Nnadi further explained that 13 of the seized containers, containing various illicit drugs, would be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for further action.
The containers underwent inspections by multiple agencies, including the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Providing details on the seized items, Nnadi disclosed that several containers contained codeine-based cough syrups, such as barcadin, broncleer, and DSP, packaged in bottles of 100ml and 200ml.
Additional seizures included 420 cartons of Royal 225 (Tapentadol and Carisoprodol tablets), 200 cartons of Trodal Benzhexol Tablets, and multiple packets of cannabis sativa.
“These narcotics were discovered in three 40-foot containers with registration numbers MSMU 518030/2, MSMU 602957/0, and FSCU 927461/3 as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance interagency collaboration,” Nnadi reported.
The intercepted drugs reportedly originated from countries such as India, the United Kingdom, and Canada. In a related handover on October 2, the command transferred 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 341.025 kg and valued at N682 million, to relevant authorities.
Nnadi credited the achievements to the support of Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the dedicated efforts of officers at the command.
He vowed to intensify measures to curb the illegal importation of unregistered pharmaceuticals in collaboration with both domestic and international agencies.
“We are more than committed to delivering on this mandate,” he affirmed, adding that the command will leverage all resources at its disposal to combat illicit imports.
With the holiday season approaching, Nnadi reassured compliant traders of expedited processes for cargo clearance, stating, “We are committed to ensuring there are no delays for compliant stakeholders.”
He also issued a stern warning to those considering illegal activities, noting, “We are ready to enforce the full weight of the law against any attempt to undermine our efforts.”
