The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area Comptroller of Onne Area II Command, CAC M Babandede, has declared Onne Seaport in PortHarcourt, the Rivers State capital as “a no go area” for importers of illicit drugs in the country.
Speaking at a press briefing today, Comptr. M Babandede lauded NDLEA at the Command for its collaborative effort in ensuring that lives of many Nigerians are saved from consuming fake and substandard drugs.
According to CAC Babandede: “You are aware that on the 1st of this month the Controller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi mfr dsm fnipr fniia psc (+) was in the Command and he address members of the fourth realm on recent significant developments in our operations to secure our nation’s borders and ensure public safety.
“Despite his warming on that day, it is unfortunate that some saboteurs have continued to engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guideline and procedures.
“Notwithstanding, in the face of challenging security situation in the Country the Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continue to step up its security function in the area of policing our seaport in such a way that those who do not wish our nation well will not have their way.
I”t is with joy that I inform you that the Command has again recorded another significant breakthrough over these unpatriotic people who do not have the interest of our Nation at heart as attested by the seizures on display today.
‘In line with the CGC policy thrust of Collaboration and Consolidation the Command on receipt of creditable intelligence on some 40 feet containers sprang into action. In collaboration with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Onne Port Chapter these containers were Identified, positioned and jointly examined in the presence of sister agencies.
“A total of Seven (7) seized Containers were made. These Containers were found to contain:
1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml)
9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter
2,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg)
1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg).
“The above seizures are estimated at Eleven billion, Two million naira (₦11,200,000,000.), which represents a huge loss on the part of those involved despite the fact of a jail term that awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation. It is worrisome that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose.
“The seized Cough Syrup Codeine and Tablets would be handed over formally to the NDLEA in due course for further investigation.
“We wish to reiterate the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne under the present Comptroller General of Customs will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation.
In the area of revenue, the Command in the first half of the year generated a total of Three Hundred and Twelve Billion, Ninety-Four Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Four naira and Fifty Eight Kobo (₦312,094,367,124.58), which translate to 50.5 percent of the annual target given to the Command.
“As at this morning, the Command has generated Forty-Eight billion, Fifty Six Million, Eight hundred and Six Thousand, Six hundred and Ninety Two naira ₦48,056,806,692.00 in the month of July and we still have five working days left in the month.
“We are determined to increase our revenue profile and at the same time working tirelessly in protecting public health and safety, Comptr. Babande stated.
