…. Impounds illicit drugs worth N37bn
By Shulammite Olowofoyeku
The Tin Can Island port command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced that it generated N1. 046 trillion from January to November 7, 2024 despite declining import volume.
Speaking with journalists at a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, Controller of the command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi said the revenue figure is unprecedented as it was the highest in the commamd’s history.
He said, “The Command wishes to celebrate this milestone of collecting over One Trillion Naira as Customs duty being the first time this has been achieved in its history.”
Nnadi attributed the feat to recent innovations introduced by the Service including the Authorised Economic Operator Program (AEO), Advance Ruling as well as the Time Release study.
These innovations, he said, significantly enhanced trade facilitation and improved revenue collection.
He added, “Be that as it may, we also are aware that the devaluation of the Naira added some impetus to what we’ve done. I can tell you, last year by this time, we had about 9,000 containers that had already been cleared. This year by this time, we have about 5,000 containers.
“So the question is that we are closing all the gaps and loopholes in the past. And of course, we are aware that just in recent time, we further upped our game as a Service by introducing the B’ Odogwu, which is a replacement of the NICIS II platform that we are using. All these are innovations that we have introduced, coupled with the fact that Nigerians are beginning to see reason on why they must comply.”
Nnadi also expressed appreciation for the support of the Customs management.
He said, “I dedicate this achievement to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and his management team. The Command acknowledges the specific roles of the DCG Tariff and Trade and the DCG ICT /Modernization for their contributions too. Aware that a secured border will translate to more revenue at the seaports, we also appreciate the support of the DCG Enforcement, Investigation & Inspection in enforcing compliance among our stakeholders leading to the increased revenue in the Command.
“While we celebrate our esteemed stakeholders who embraced our reforms and complied with Customs extant laws and guidelines, those who did not are regretting their loss and the pain of non compliance ”
Nnadi said the command also intercepted 16 containers of illicit substances, unregistered pharmaceutical products and other items discharged between May 17 and October 23, 2024 via four Hapag Lloyd and two MSC vessels.
He said the drugs valued at N37 billion were imported into the country from India, United Kingdom ( U. K) and Canada.
Giving a breakdown of the drug importation, the CAC said they include Codeine-based cough syrups- Barcadin with Codeine, Broncleer with Codeine, and DSP with Codeine for throat and chesty cough (100ml, 200 bottles per carton).
Others are “Tapentadol & Carisoprodol: 420 cartons of Royal 225 (Tapentadol HVCL 125mg and Carisoprodol BP 100mg).
“Benzhexol Tablets: 200 cartons of 5mg Benzhexol Tablets (Brand: Trodal).
Cannabis Indica: 77 packets (38.5kg), 532 packets (265.025kg), and 75 packets (37.5kg). Diclofenac Sodium Tablets: Really Extra brand (50mg, 100 packs per carton).”
Also seized were other goods including ceiling fans, Deluxe Chilli Cutters, stainless steel blenders, BiomalArtesunate Injection.
Nnadi said the inspection of the containers were carried out by multiple enforcement agencies including Customs, NDLEA, and NAFDAC.
“Recall that on October 2, 2024, the Tincan Island Port Command officially handed over 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing a total of 341.025 kg, with an estimated street value of ₦682,050,000.00.
“These narcotics were discovered in three 40ft containers Nos: MSMU 518030/2, MSMU 602957/0, and FSCU 927461/3), as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen interagency collaboration and coordination.
“Consequently, we are handing over an additional 13 Containers of Unregistered pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC. Total Duty Paid Value for the 16 containers is approximately N37 billion.
“Tramadol – 920 cartons in 2x40FT containers worth N23billion.Codeine – 1,894,600 bottles in 11x40FT containers worth N13billion. Cannabis Indica- 341kg in 3X40 containers worth N682million.”
Nnadi reiterated the command’s commitment to tackle illicit importation of unregistered pharmaceutical products into the country.
To achieve this, he said the Command and the Service will deploy all necessary resources and strategies in collaboration with local and foreign partner security and regulatory agencies to check the menace.
Nnadi assured that the Command will partner with stakeholders who are compliant and ensure there are no delays in their cargo delivery especially as the Yuletide season approaches.
He, however, issued a stern warning to those who would challenge the command’s resolve, stating that they are prepared to enforce the law.
