Seme Customs seizes N267m illicit drugs, rice, petrol as Oramalugo vows crack down on smugglers

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted several contraband consisting of illicit drugs, premium motor spirit and bags of foreign parboiled rice worth N267million.

Controller of the command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo who disclosed this at a media briefing at the Seme- Krake border post on Thursday said the seizures were recorded between February 11th and March 13th when he assumed duty at the command.

Displaying the seized items to journalists, the Controller said they include 444 parcels of cannabis sativa (Marijuana), 181 packs of tramadol, 600 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml each), 240 kegs of premium motor spirit (PMS), 1,809 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 17 sacks of used shoes, 56 bales of used clothes and 203 pieces of used tyres.

He said the items were seized as they contravene the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 (NCSA 23).

Oramalugo pledged to intensity crackdown on smugglling, which he says poses a serious threat to the nation’s economy.

The CAC also announced a revenue generation of N743.7million in the month of February, noting that the feat underscores the command’s commitment to blocking revenue leakages and ensuring maximum collection for national development.

Oramalugo added that the command facilitated a total of 28,395.293 metric tonnes of export produce equivalent to 806 trucks with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N7. 85bn (equivalent to $4.99million) within the review period.

He said the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) paid was N 39.28million with a total surcharge ofN 2.43 million.

Oramalugo reaffirmed the command’s commitment to leverage on trade facilitation initiatives to foster efficient, transparent and predictable trade environment thereby contributing to Nigeria’s growth and development.

He added that the command under his leadership would continue to foster strong relationships with stakeholders, reinforcing security measures and deploying intelligence- driven strategies to combat smuggling.

He said, “Since taking over as the Area Controller, the Command has implemented strategic measures to enhance revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and inter-agency collaboration. These efforts align with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service and the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who has emphasized synergy among stakeholders to combat smuggling and strengthen border security.”

“Recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving our objectives, I have engaged with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and security agencies to foster strong relationships with stakeholders, reinforcing security measures and promoting seamless trade facilitation in the region.

“These engagements have facilitated improved intelligence-sharing and coordination, reinforcing our commitment to national security, economic regulation, and the fight against smuggling. Our mission at Seme Area Command extends beyond revenue collection—it encompasses national security and economic growth, which are best achieved through strong institutional partnerships.

“The achievements of the Seme Area Command within this short period are the result of the unwavering support of the CGC and his NCS Management Team, the dedication and professionalism of our officers, the effective deployment of intelligence-driven strategies and robust inter-agency collaboration as well as stakeholder engagement.”

He warned smugglers and their collaborators that their illegal activities will not be tolerated as the command is prepared to track down, arrest, and prosecute offenders.

He advised individuals involved in smuggling to embrace legitimate trade and contribute to national economic growth, rather than engaging in criminal activities that undermine the nation’s economy.

The Customs Controller handed over the seized cannabis to the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Command in line with existing inter-agency collaboration.

Receiving the illicit drugs, the NDLEA Commander, Fingeron Owen Dinneys, pledged to carry out investigations into the seizure of the cannabis with a view to identifying and apprehending those responsible.