Nigeria Customs’ Onne Command seizes 16 containers of contraband worth ₦20.5bn, with 11 holding illicit drugs.
The Nigeria Customs Service, Onne Command, has intercepted 16 containers of prohibited goods valued at over ₦20.5 billion, including 11 containers of illicit pharmaceuticals.
Customs Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed this during a press briefing in Onne, Rivers State, The customs boss, said, “In accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Service’s mandate on public accountability and stakeholder engagement, I hereby convene this press briefing to formally apprise the general public of significant anti-smuggling operations undertaken by the Onne Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
Comptroller Adeniyi reiterated, “Building upon our established operational successes, the Service has
intensified intelligence-led enforcement across all commands, particularly focusing on high-risk corridors and ports of entry. Our strategic partnerships with sister agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), operate under established Memoranda of Understanding and joint operational frameworks that
have demonstrably enhanced our enforcement capabilities.”
The Customs boss, reaffirms that, “Pursuant to Section 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and in exercise of powers conferred therein, the Port Harcourt II Area Command has executed a series of targeted interdictions that underscore our operational
effectiveness in protecting Nigerian citizens from the infiltration of prohibited substances.”
He posited, “The Command has successfully intercepted a total of sixteen (16) containers
with an aggregate Duty Paid Value of Twenty Billion, Five Hundred and Fortynine Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-nine Thousand, Two Hundred Naira
(₦20,549,998,200) as calculated in accordance with Service valuation protocols.Analysis of these seizures reveals sophisticated concealment tactics and
systematic attempts to circumvent established import protocols. Eleven (11) containers were found to contain illicit pharmaceutical products comprising; 1,301,000 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml each); 9,300,000 tablets of Royal Extra Diclofenac; 12,600,000 tablets of Royal Tapentadol/Tramadol (225mg each); 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol (5mg each); 210,000 tablets of Hyergra (200mg each); 717,360 tablets of Bisoveu; 2,200,000 tablets of Bassuka (50mg
each). ”
Speaking further, the CGC opined that, “The contraband items were strategically concealed within legitimate consumer goods including 9,280 pieces of chilly cutters, 118 pieces of ceiling fans, 2,610 pieces of plumbing materials, 2,268 pieces of Smart vehicles parts, 97,200 tins of tomato paste, and 700 cartons of cream. This modus operandi represents calculated attempts to exploit legitimate trade channels while evading regulatory scrutiny.”
Adding, “The potential impact of these illicit pharmaceuticals on public health and national security cannot be overstated. Unregulated pharmaceutical products pose severe risks including drug addiction, compromised treatment outcomes, and the facilitation of organized criminal activities that threaten community safety and national stability.”
The Customs boss formally commended all officers and men of the Port Harcourt II Area Command who, through their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication to duty, successfully executed these complex interdictions. Their actions exemplify the core values of the Service and demonstrate our collective commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders and citizens.
However, the CGC reaffirmed that, “The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to supporting President Tinubu’s security and economic transformation agenda through enhanced border management, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and sustained anti-smuggling operations. We shall deploy all resources at our disposal to ensure that Nigeria’s borders remain secure against those who would compromise our national health security and economic prosperity for criminal gain.
The Customs boss warned all criminal networks attempting to use our borders for illicit activities; that the Nigeria Customs Service, in partnership with sister agencies has maintained zero tolerance for smuggling operations and defaulters will face the full weight of the lawperpetrators.
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