2024: Onne Customs intercepts additional 12 containers of illicit Drugs, Generates ₦634 billion revenue

2024: Onne Customs intercepts additional 12 containers of illicit Drugs, Generates ₦634 billion revenue

By Tunde ojudun

The Customs Area comptroller, Area 2 command ,0nne Comptroller Mohammed Babandede has announced the interception of additional 12 containers of illicit medicine by officers of the command as the year 2024 draws to a close.

Comptroller Babandede made this disclosure on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the command end of year activities and successes recorded by the command this year . He said

“Since our last engagement on the 11th of November 2024, I am pleased to inform you that the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne has recorded another remarkable achievement in our ongoing battle against smuggling and illicit trade. Our vigilant officers and men have successfully intercepted and seized an additional 12 containers (40 feet) of illicit medicine. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health, ensuring security of our nation and compliance with Nigeria’s import regulations. This also justifies our commitment to trade facilitation, transparency, effective and efficient service delivery.

The breakdown is as follows:
a. 1,721,100 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine
b. 510,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac
c. 7,100,000 tablets of 225mg Royal apple Tramadol and Tramaking
d. 3,461 pieces of Sanitary ware Fittings used for concealment
e. 840 pieces of Chilly cutter used for concealment
f. 153 cartons of TVS rubber

The Duty paid Value of the twelve containers is ₦20,309,890,800″

This latest seizure according to Comptroller Babandede underscores the passion and diligence of the officers and men of the Onne Command in ensuring that illicit drug and other harmful goods do not find their way into our country through the area.

He appreciates the continued support of all stakeholders, including the media, in amplifying the message and efforts to combat smuggling.

“It is worth noting that the morale and dedication of our officers have been significantly bolstered by the Comptroller-General of Customs’ award, recognizing Area 2 Command as the best Command in anti-smuggling operations. This honor has further strengthened our resolve, and I assure you that we will not relent in performing our duties to protect the lives and well-being of Nigerians.

In the recently released 2024 promotion for General Duty/Support Staff for officers and men of the Service, the Area 2 Command got some officers promoted as well. A total of 14 Deputy Comptrollers were elevated to the rank of Comptroller. A total of 6 Assistant Comptrollers were elevated to the rank of Deputy Comptrollers and 17 Chief Superintendent of Customs were elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptrollers. Other newly promoted officers include 22 to Chief Superintendent of Customs, 4 to Superintendent of Customs, 18 to Deputy Superintendent of Customs, 14 to Assistant Superintendent of One and 16 to Assistant Superintendent of Two. Junior Officers were also promoted as 9 got Inspector of Customs, 3 got Customs Assistant One and 3 got Customs Assistant Two”—He said

The Press briefing provided the opportunity for Comptroller Babandede to disclose the revenue records and achievements of the command :

” Earlier in the year the command was given a E revenue target of 618 billion naira. I am glad to inform you that as at this morning the Command with the aid of stakeholder engagement, synergy, collaboration and intelligence sharing, has surpass the target given by generating a total revenue of 634 billion Naira which accounts for 103% of the annual target. This amount is over the 2023 collection by 321 billion Naira and represents 98% increase over the 2023 generated revenue”

He said In the area of anti-smuggling the Command made a total of 76 container seizures comprising of arms, ammunition, illicit medicine, vegetable oil, foot wares, donkey skin, used cloths among others uncustomed goods used as concealment with a duty paid value of ₦150,872,551,207

According to him In export, the major commodities exported through the axis comprises of Agro and Mineral resources namely: sesame seeds, aluminum ingot, granular urea in bulk, wheat bran, orange peel among others and a total of 2,707,339.22 Metric tonnes of goods with a free on board (FOB) value of $952,986,490.99 which is equivalent to ₦1,261,039,933,168.99 was processed through the Command this year.

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