The Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported the interception of sixteen containers filled with illicit and unregistered pharmaceutical products, marking one of the largest seizures in the command’s history. The Command revealed that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items is approximately ₦37 billion, with a breakdown including Tramadol, codeine-based syrups, and cannabis.
During a press briefing, Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, DA Nnadi, noted that the seizures were made possible through robust interagency collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS). Nnadi reiterated the Command’s commitment to border security, which is essential for safeguarding revenue and combating illicit trade.
Highlighting the Command’s achievements, Nnadi announced that, as of November 7, 2024, the Tin Can Island Port Command had generated a record-breaking ₦1.046 trillion in customs duty, marking the first time the Command has surpassed the one-trillion-naira milestone. This achievement aligns with the Nigeria Customs Service’s policy thrust of “Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation.”
The seized containers, discharged between May and October 2024, contained a range of controlled substances, including:
– Tramadol: 920 cartons valued at ₦23 billion.
– Codeine-based cough syrups: 1,894,600 bottles in 11 containers, worth ₦13 billion.
– Cannabis Indic: 341 kg in three containers, valued at ₦682 million.
The drugs, originating from countries including India, the United Kingdom, and Canada, were smuggled in by vessels such as SpilKartika, Volana, and MSC Katyayni. Customs officials noted that the discovery was part of a concerted effort to curb the proliferation of unregistered pharmaceutical products and narcotics in Nigeria. Notably, the Command had previously handed over 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing a total of 341.025 kg with a street value of ₦682 million, to NDLEA in early October.
Nnadi emphasized the significance of the seizures, stating that the Command remains vigilant as the festive season approaches and warned smugglers of the Command’s determination to enforce compliance with customs laws. He extended gratitude to stakeholders who comply with customs regulations, assuring them of continued support in expediting compliant cargo deliveries.
The Command’s achievements, according to Nnadi, reflect the dedication of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his leadership team’s strategy to reform Nigeria’s customs operations. With sustained collaboration among domestic and international security agencies, the Tin Can Island Port Command is poised to continue its crackdown on illegal drug importation.