ONNE CUSTOMS COMMAND GENERATES N312.94 BILLION IN 6 MONTHS; INTERCEPTS N11.2 BILLION DRUGS
By: Timothy Paul Okorocha
Onne Customs command said it made more than N312.94 billion in the first half of this year, while seizing seven containers of drugs worth N11.2 billion.
The Area controller of the command, Compt Babandede disclosed to newsmen today that the seizure represents a huge loss to those involved in, despite a jail term that awaits any of the suspects when arrested.
The drugs include; 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 furthermore investigation.
According to him, 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 Controller wish to reiterate 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.
He noted that 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.
According to him, ‘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’.
He said, ‘You are aware that on the 1st of this month the Controller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi mfr dsm fnipr fniia psc (+) 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’.
Despite his warning on that day, 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.
In the area of Revenue, the Command in the first half of the year generated a total of Three Hundred and Twelve Billion, Ninety-Four Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Four naira and Fifty Eight Kobo (₦312,094,367,124.58) which translate to 50.5 percent of the annual target given to the Command.
As at this morning the Command has generated 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.
The Controller said the command is determined to increase our revenue profile and at the same time working tirelessly in protecting public health and safety.