The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne, has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against smuggling, seizing 21 containers laden with illicit drugs, counterfeit goods, and illegal donkey skin, valued at over ₦46 billion.

This operation comes as part of the ongoing state of emergency declared by the Comptroller-General of Customs to tighten security at Onne Port, aimed at curbing the inflow of contraband into the country.

Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, Customs Area Controller of the Area 2 Command, Onne, has announced significant seizures in an ongoing effort to combat smuggling and protect public health. Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, November 11, 2024, he outlined recent operations that included the interception of 21 containers carrying illicit drugs and other contraband goods, valued at over ₦46.4 billion in duty-paid value.

The seizure, which includes 20 containers of illegal pharmaceuticals and one container of donkey skin, comes two months after the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, declared a three-month state of emergency at Onne Port to enhance monitoring of high-risk shipments. This strategy empowers officers to examine containers flagged as suspicious, even in the absence of their owners.

In collaboration with agencies such as the NDLEA, DSS, NAFDAC, and others, the command seized items including 2,624,053 bottles of codeine cough syrup, 27 million tablets of high-potency pain relievers, and 7.5 million units of unlicensed antibiotics. The command also discovered 19,430 items, such as chilly cutters and sanitary fittings, used to conceal illicit products.

“This state of emergency has bolstered our capacity to counter smuggling and uphold security at Onne,” Babandede stated, emphasizing the need to safeguard the public from harmful substances.

Since the start of the year, the Onne Command has made 63 seizures totaling ₦130.6 billion in duty-paid value. These seizures include firearms, live ammunition, and a range of prohibited pharmaceuticals, underscoring a commitment to national security under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

Onne Port has also seen substantial trade activity in exports and revenue generation. The command processed exports amounting to over 2.4 million metric tonnes, valued at $826.6 million (FOB). Revenue collections for the year stand at ₦550.4 billion, or 89% of the annual target of ₦618 billion.

Babandede concluded by acknowledging the media’s role in promoting compliance with trade regulations. “Your partnership is essential in sensitizing the public and ensuring adherence to import and export laws,” he said. The Onne Command’s efforts reflect a broader mission to foster lawful trade, strengthen Nigeria’s economy, and uphold public safety.