Half Year Report: Onne Customs Intercepts 7 Containers of Illicit Drugs Valued at N11.2b; Collects N312bn

With the precarious security situation in the country the Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Onne, has made another spectacular seizure of seven 40 feet containers laden with illicit drugs.

Speaking with journalists at the command, the Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, explained that the command in collaboration

with the National Drug law Enforcement Agency, Onne Port Chapter received credible intelligence on some 40 feet containers and sprang into action.

The controller said the containers were Identified, positioned and jointly examined in the presence of sister agencies.

Babandede stressed that a total of seven seized containers were intercepted.

He disclosed that the containers were found to contain 1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml),

9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 2,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg), 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg).

The controller noted that the seizures is estimated at Eleven billion, Two million naira (₦11,200,000,000.) which represents a huge loss on the part of those involved despite the fact of a jail term that awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation.

"It is worrisome that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose. The Seized Cough Syrup Codeine and Tablets would be handed over formally to the NDLEA in due course for further investigation," he hinted.

"We wish to reiterate the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne under the present Comptroller General of Customs will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation," he added.

In the area of Revenue, Babandede stated that the command in the first half of the year generated a total of Three Hundred and Twelve Billion, Ninety-Four Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Four naira and Fifty Eight Kobo (₦312,094,367,124.58) which translate to 50.5 percent of the annual target given to the Command.

"As at this morning the Command has generated Forty-Eight billion, Fifty Six Million, Eight hundred and Six Thousand, Six hundred and Ninety Two naira ₦48,056,806,692.00 in the month of July and we still have five working days left in the month," he informed.

Declaring the determination of the command to increase its revenue profile, he promised that his command will at the same time work tirelessly in protecting public health and safety.