In a major breakthrough, the Onne Customs Command has intercepted 21 containers laden with illicit drugs and donkey skin, valued at a staggering N46.8 billion .
This remarkable seizure is a testament to the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating illicit trade and ensuring public safety.
Details of the Seizure:
20 containers of illicit drugs, including:
2.6 million bottles of codeine syrup
7.5 million tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac
3.5 million tablets of Trodol Benzhexol 27 million tablets of Royal Tapentadol/Tramadol/Tamolx.
Other counterfeit and unregistered pharmaceuticals.
1 container of donkey skin, valued at N441 million.
State of Emergency Yields Results
The seizure is a direct result of the three-month state of emergency declared by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, following previous significant seizures at the Onne Port .
The Command has been granted authority to scrutinize all suspected containers, regardless of ownership.
Anti-Smuggling Efforts
Under Comptroller Mohammed Babandede’s stewardship, the Command has made significant strides in anti-smuggling activities, with:
63 containers seized this year, containing:
844 rifles, 112,500 pieces of live ammunition
Over 6.4 million bottles of codeine syrup
Over 56.8 million tablets of Royal Tapentadol/Tramadol/Tamolx
Total duty paid value of seizures: N130.5 billion.
Trade Facilitation and Revenue Generation
The Command has also excelled in trade facilitation, utilizing the World Customs Organization’s Time Release Study (TRS) tool to generate maximum revenue. Key achievements include:
Processing 2.4 million metric tons of goods, valued at $826.6 million.
Generating N550.4 billion in revenue, representing 89% of the annual target.
Comptroller Babandede expressed gratitude to the media for their critical role in sensitizing the public and promoting compliance with trade laws.
