The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area II Command, Once has generated N312,094,367,124.58 billion from January to June 2024 which translate to 50.5 percent of the annual target given to the Command.
As at this morning the Command has collected Forty-Eight billion, Fifty Six Million, Eight hundred and Six Thousand, Six hundred and Ninety Two naira ₦48,056,806,692.00 in the month of July and we still have five working days left in the month.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede.
Babandede said, illicit drugs worth over N11 billion imported through Onne Port were intercepted and confisticated by eagle-eye officers of the command.
“You are aware that on the 1st of this month the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi was in the Command and he address members of the fourth realm on recent significant developments in our operations to secure our nation’s borders and ensure public safety.
According to Comptroller Babandede, despite the warmings of the CGC, it is unfortunate that some saboteurs have continued to engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guideline and procedures.
“Notwithstanding, in the face of challenging security situation in the Country the Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continue to step up its security function in the area of policing our Sea Port in such a way that those who do not wish our nation well will not have their way.
“It is with joy that I inform you that the Command has again recorded another significant breakthrough over these unpatriotic people who do not have the interest of our Nation at heart as attested by the seizures on display today.
“In line with the CGC policy thrust of Collaboration and Consolidation the Command on receipt of creditable intelligence on some 40 feet containers sprang into action. In collaboration with National Drug law Enforcement Agency, Onne Port Chapter these containers were Identified, positioned and jointly examined in the presence of sister agencies.
Furthermore he said, “A otal of Seven (7) seized Containers were made. These Containers were found to contain
1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml), 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 2,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg), 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg)
“The above seizures is estimated at Eleven billion, Two million naira (₦11,200,000,000.) which represents a huge loss on the part of those involved despite the fact of a jail term that awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation. It is worrisome that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose.
“The Seized Cough Syrup Codeine and Tablets would be handed over formally to the NDLEA in due course for further investigation.
The CAC reiterated the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne under the present Comptroller General of Customs will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation.
“We are determined to increase our revenue profile and at the same time working tirelessly in protecting public health and safety.
