Customs declares state of emergency at Onne port over surge in illegal imports

…Seizes 12 containers of military camouflage, illicit drugs

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi has declared a state of emergency at Onne port in Rivers State following a surge in the importation of dangerous and illicit goods through the facility.

This came as the Customs CG on Wednesday announced yet another seizure of 12 containers of illegal importation which included illicit drugs, military and paramilitary camouflage.

This is coming barely two months after the NCS seized huge cache of arms and ammunition at the port.

Showcasing the illegal importation, Adeniyi expressed concern over the repeated incidents of national security breaches at the Onne port.

He said it is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts despite seizures of these illegal importation worth billions of naira.

He said, “It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.

“The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port. Coming on the heel of a seizure of a huge cache of arms couple of months ago,

“Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.

“Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are twelve (12) containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination.

“The seizures are One (1) x 40-feet container: containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦923,040,000.
Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of ₦4,716,573,846.
Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦17,432,506,000.
Five (5) x 40-feet containers: Containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦8,128,568,295.90.

“These interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering ₦31,200,688,142. This operation is not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of our intelligence network and the critical partnerships we maintain with other security agencies.”

The Customs boss emphasized that this is not just a Customs issue but a national security concern that affects every Nigerian.

He therefore called on all patriotic citizens to assist the Service in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions.

“Your information, no matter how small, could be the key to preventing a potential catastrophe. Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity, ” he said.

Adeniyi, however, assured the business community and legitimate importers that this measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade but maintained that the goal is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive.

“We will work to ensure that lawful shipments are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible during this period. To those who may be tempted to continue these illegal activities, let me be clear: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation.

“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the officers of the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their relentless efforts in safeguarding our nation. Your dedication to duty and your commitment to the fight against smuggling are commendable, and I want to assure you that efforts do not go unnoticed.

“These seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items. The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities, ” he said.

Adeniyi further reiterated the Customs commitment to sustaining the current onslaught and momentum against smugglers and importers of illegal goods, stressing that the agency under his leadership, would leave no stone unturned in its mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians.

“We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law,” he warned.