CUSTOMS: Onne Command Intercepts 20 Containers Of Illicit Drugs And Others, Generates N190.5 Billion In Q1 2025
Kathy Kyari
The Port Harcourt Area II Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Onne has reported a revenue generation of ₦190,569,212,397 billion and the exportation of agricultural items and solid minerals valued at ₦2,345,268,122 in the first quarter of 2025.
This was revealed in a press statement issued by the Command’s PRO, CSC Peter Duniya on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
According to the Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the command exported 1,274,695 MTS, mostly made up of solid minerals and agricultural products.
In comparison to the ₦162,705,313,561 billion earned during the same time period in 2024, the data shows a notable improvement, resulting in a 17.12% rise of ₦27,864,668,442 billion.
“The total products exported stood at a value of Two Billion, Three Hundred and Forty-five Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-two Naira (2,345,268,122),” he said.
Comptroller Babandede disclosed that the Command intercepted a total of 20 containers in the same period, including 1 X 40ft Container TLLU6901759 containing 158,400 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100mls each) and 11,690 pieces of Chilly Cutter and 1 X 40ft Container MRKU 2117319 STC 158,400 bottles of Barcadin with Codeine Syrup (100ml each) and 240 pieces of Local Sanitary Wares.
Others are 2 X 40ft Containers MRKU4875853 & TCNU2623453 STC 271,000 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml each), 85,000 bottles of CSMIX with Codeine (100ml), 1,200 pieces of Cock and 94 cartons of sanitary wares and 21 cartons of TBS rubber; 4 X 20ft containers PCIU0094329, PCIU1014858, PCIU1367243, & PCIU00229679 STC 64,416 X (400mg each) tins of Soupy Tomato Paste, 16,104 X (200mg each) tins of Soupy Tomato Paste; 1 X 40ft Container MEDU7751984 STC 280 bales of used clothes and 2 cartons of toys and 6 X 20ft Containers MEDU6909397, TGBU3174254, CAIU6719204, TTNU1932358, GLDU5050514 & MEDU2120820 STC 6,300 X (25litres each) Jerry cans of Delicieux Cooking Oil.
The seized items also include 2 X 20ft Containers GLDU3216822 & MEDU1266507 STC 2,100 Jerry cans of Super Gold Vegetable Cooking Oil (25ltrs each); 1 X 40ft TCKU7701615 STC 980,000 tablets of Tamol-X, 4,830,000 Capsules of Pregabalin (300mg each) and 288 cartons of WC; 1X 40ft container MSMU5925355 STC 320 bales of used clothes and 1 X 40ft container TCKU 6160305 STC 360 bales of used clothing, 2 bags of personal effects and 1 box of personal effects.
“The Nigeria Customs Service is a vital government agency that contributes to the country’s economic development and security. It is a significant source of revenue for the government through the collection of import duties and levies. The Service also ensures compliance with Customs laws and government policies on international trade,” he stated.
On anti-smuggling activities, Comptroller Babandede mentioned that importing illicit drugs and other prohibited wares into the country can have serious consequences for both the public and society.
“Worthy of note is the fact that perpetrating any act of illegal activity is criminal and remains punishable under the Nigeria Customs extant laws, with the legal consequence of being punishable with either a fine or imprisonment, or both, as the case may be.”
Babandede explained that the impact of the influx of illicit drugs can lead to increased rates of crime, substance abuse, addiction, and health-related issues in the communities, noting that “there is a need to nip it in the bud”.
Speaking further, he said: “These seizures are products of courage, bravery, high level of integrity, and the self-determined posture of the officers to be patriotic to their oath of allegiance; exhibited through objective and careful examination, meticulous documentary checks and professionalism. The cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of the seized goods presented is worth Ten Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-three Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-seven Thousand, Fourty Naira (₦10,293,677,040.00).”
With reference to trade facilitation, the Comptroller stated that the NCS is making significant strides through its modernisation project, emphasising that the initiative integrates various applications, platforms, and hardware into a comprehensive import and export management system.
“This Command leveraged this project with yielding remarkable results which includes the efficient release of containers. We trained stakeholders on the B’odogwu Unified Information Management System in order to understand the modality of its operation for efficiency in the clearing procedure and better revenue collection.
“In our continued effort to collaborate with all agencies of government for better results in service delivery. I am handing over a 1x20ft Container found to contain donkey skin meant for export to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service,” he remarked.
Babandede expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and members of the management team for providing the enabling environment to work successfully.
He also lauded the officers and men of the Command for their enabling support, teamwork and dedication towards achieving the great feats.
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