LFZ HANDS OVER N9.7 BILLION WORTH OF ILLICIT DRUGS TO NDLEA
The Lekki Free Zone Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by Customs Area Controller Comptroller Olanrewaju Olumoh, handed over two 40-foot containers filled with illicit medications to Lekki Deep Sea Port Commander of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Jonah Achema.
Here are the illicit pharmaceutical products imported from Karachi, Pakistan and handed over at the Lekki Deep Sea Port:
a. 1x40ft C i ontainer Number TLLU7519041 Found to C o Contain;
i. 59 cartons of R oyal Tramadol 225mg (tab] ets)
ii. 50 cartons of Bla 225mg ( tables) °K Tramarking Tramadol Hydrochloride
iii. 180 cartons of T i ramaking Tramado] 225 mg (tablets)
b. 1x40ft Contai ntainer Number TLLU751904) Found to Contain;
i. 115 cartonns of Trama King 225mg (tablets)
ii. 245 cartons of Tamra| 225m (tablets)
The seized pharmaceutical products have a staggering duty-paid value of ₦9,725,000,000.00. Comptroller Olumoh harped on the imperative nature of the collaboration between the different sisiter agencies which culminated in the seizure of these containers with the dangerous contents in them.
This aligns with the policy of Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, whose unwavering support has significantly boosted the performance of the 13 Free Zones under the Lekki Free Zone Command.
His words “It should be borne in mind that even though our command here is relatively young in terms of year of establishment, our location is strategic to fight against illicit trade. Hence, in line with the vision of the CGC, we have been very committed to promoting international trade and investment, facilitating legitimate trade and doing everything possible to advance the economic progress of the country especially by making our seaport in Lekki the maritime hub in the West Africa sub region.”
“However, in performing this role of facilitating a business-friendly environment, we have a critical function to perform in terms of preventing our port and the free zones from becoming a channel through which illicit items enter the country”.
The Lekki Free Zone Command has made a significant contribution to the government’s coffers, generating an impressive N278,784,955,653 from January to October 2024. This substantial revenue is a testament to the Command’s efficiency and the growing importance of the Lekki Free Zone in Nigeria’s economy.
Comptroller Olumoh issued a stern warning to individuals or businesses not prepared to operate legitimately within the Lekki Free Zone Command. He emphasized that his team is fully committed to protecting Nigeria’s national economy and will take all necessary measures to ensure compliance.
Commander Jonah Achema of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Lekki Deep Sea Port (LDSP) praised the collaborative efforts that led to the successful seizure of two containers carrying illicit pharmaceuticals. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of continued teamwork in detecting and preventing similar threats to public health.
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