CGC Adeniyi Toughens Up Against Criminal Networks Associated with Officers, Terminals, and Warehouses
... As Tincan Command Seizes Pharmaceuticals and Cannabis Indica Worth N4.1 Billion
Kathy Kyari
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has said that he will not relent in the fight against criminal networks engaged in attempts to connive with officers/staff of agencies tasked with mitigating the trafficking of illicit substances in the country.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Tin Can Island Port Command on Friday, Adeniyi disclosed that the Customs Service had intercepted about N4.1 billion worth of cannabis indica, codeine, diclofenac and cough syrup imported into the country from India and Canada.
According to him "These interceptions have brought to light a concerning trend wherein criminal networks engage in collaborative attempts to subvert the competency of the agencies tasked with mitigating the trafficking of such illicit substances".
He noted that of recent, the NCS has reported several cases of interception and seizures of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition, illegal wildlife and petroleum products at various locations across the country.
Highlighting details of the seizures, He updated news men on the seizure of two containers of unwholesome importations comprising of 01x40ft container of regulated unregistered pharmaceutical products and another 01x40ft container of illicit psychotropic substances seized by Tincan Command of the Service.
"3 plastic drums concealing several packets of Cannabis Indica, 46bags containing 2,144 packets of Cannabis Indica all weighing 1,072kilogrammes (kg) seized from 01x40ft Container No. GAOU 669921/5imported from Canada. The approximate street value of the illicit substances is N3, 216,000,000.00 (Three Billion Two Hundred Sixteen Million Naira Only)".
" 877 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine- 200 bottles of 100ml per carton and 82 cartons of Really Extra Diclofenac Sodium 50mg tablets - 600 packs per carton imported from India was seized".
According to the CGC, the approximate street value of the cough syrup is N964, 339,348.00 (Nine Hundred and Sixty Four Million, Three Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty Eight Naira Only).
"These interceptions have brought to light a concerning trend wherein criminal networks engage in collaborative attempts to subvert the competency of the agencies tasked with mitigating the trafficking of such illicit substances".
“The misuse and abuse of drugs, particularly, Cannabis Indica and codeine pose severe dangers to our society. Codeine, a restricted drug in Nigeria, has been widely abused, leading to devastating effects on our youths".
"This substance not only impairs the health, and wellbeing of individuals ,but also contributes to the rise in criminal activities
"Cannabis Indica similarly has become a significant concern ,with its abuse leading to mental health issues ,addiction ,and social problems .Unchecked activities involving restricted items serve multiple purposes for criminal elements."
"These drugs, for instance, are used as stimulants by criminals ,further fuelling societal unrest and instability. Additionally, the proceeds from the illicit drug trade are often used to finance disruptions by non- state actors ,posing a significant threat to our national security and economic stability.
"While bemoaning the growing tendency for the importation of these destructive drugs, by some criminal networks,CGC Adeniyi however described the seizure and others across the country as evident of the resolve of NCS to remain vigilant.
The CGC also acknowledged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA for its collaborative efforts towards the fight against drug abuse.
“The NCS will continue to work closely with relevant national and international agencies to conduct operations that lead to the interception of illegal goods and the disruptions of criminal networks.
“We urge all Nigerians to continue their legitimate business activities ,assured that the NCS is actively working with stakeholders to ease the challenges faced by businesses and the general public”, the CGC further noted."
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