Again, Customs seize 13 Tramadol containers from India

FOLLOWING the disclosure of seizure of 40 containers of Tramadol and other dangerous drugs by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) at the Apapa ports on Thursday, the Tin-Can Island Customs Command also on Friday said that its men intercepted 13 containers of the banned drug along with other contraband items worth N3,134,029,290.00.

Disclosing this to journalists on Friday at the Tin-Can Island Port Complex, the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) explained that two of the containers had earlier been handed over to NAFDAC on the 11th and 20th of October, 2018; while another one of the containers was also handed over to the NDLEA on the 2nd of November,2018; thereby leaving the Command with 10 containers of Tramadol.

According to the Customs CG who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, Austin Chidi, “The seizures include 11by40feet and 2by20feet containers of mostly Tramadol, Ciprofloxacin capsules, Diclofenac Sodium tablets, Soffeathe I.V Cannula, Sildencfil Citrate tablets, Bleaching soaps, and Bales of used clothing. All were seized and forfeited to the Federal Government in line with the provision of CEMA CAP C45 LFN 2004, sections 46 and 161.

“In the same vein, a container of soap suspected to contain harmful bleaching ingredients and two-second hand clothing’s were also seized. All these seizures were in violation of the absolute prohibition list of CET 2015-2019.

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“The Service wishes to reiterate its concern for the health and security of Nigerians, and one would better imagine the devastating effect on the life of our youths if these quantities of unwholesome drugs had found its way into the market. We want to reassure the Nation that the Customs will not renege on its mandate irrespectively of its circumstances.

“We hereby wish to recognise and appreciate the robust synergy and collaboration of critical stakeholders and security agencies who provided a veritable platform for the seizures and other giant strides of the Command.

“It is on record that the Command has over the period sustained and nurtured inter-agency relationship to the extent that information sharing/intelligence has become a predominant factor in the Command.

“Let me on this note appreciate the Customs Area Controller, Tin-Can Island Port, and indeed all officers and men of the Command for their deep sense of commitment which has been evident in their Revenue and Seizure records. The Service will surely expect more from you especially at this period when the volume of trade is expected to go up.”

On revenue generation, the Command said it has generated, collected and accounted for a total of N303.5bn between January to date.