SEIZURES GALORE AT FOU ‘A’ AS OLADEJI INTERCEPTS N8.9 BILLION TRAMADOL, DONKEY SKIN IN ONE MONTH
By: Timothy Paul Okorocha
Seizures worth more than N8.9 billion were made by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) zone A Lagos. Briefing newsmen in Ikeja today, the Unit’s helmsman, Compt Oladeji stated that all tramadol, donkey skin, latest models of cars made the list.
The two striking seizures of tramadol and donkey skin were made by the officer in charge of operations, Assistant Comptroller AA Ibrahim and officer in charge of export, Chief superintendent OE Odunjo
Other goods include; I.6,168 pieces of donkey skin (with total dry weight at 29,606 kg)
II. 37,630sachets of Tramadol of 250mg
III.11,820 pieces of new machetes
IV. 4,740 bags of foreign parboiled rice
V. 978kg of Cannabis sativa
VI. 1,145 cartons of poultry products
VII.15 units of imported vehicles
VIII. 257 bales of used clothes
IX.11,700 litres of Premium Motor Spirit On revenue recovery, for the Month of July 2024, the sum of One hundred and Thirty-Three million, Six hundred and Ninety-Six thousand, Two hundred and Twenty-Three naira Ninety-Eight kobo (N133,696,223.98K) was generated through documentary checks and issuance of Demand Notices on consignments that were found to have been short-paid.The entire amount had been paid into the Federation account accordingly.
Comparing the month of July, 2023 with July, 2024, the revenue generated increased by Ninety-Six million, Eighty-Seven thousand, One hundred and Thirty-Three naira, Seventy-Seven Kobo (N96,087,133.79K) at 245% increase.
According to him, interceptions rose from 50 seizures in July, 2023 to 70 seizures in July, 2024 with a DPV difference of Seven billion, Six hundred and Thirty-Five million, Two hundred and Ninety-Two by thousand, Three hundred and Twenty-Four Naira only (N7,635,292,324) at 1,750% increase.
While the Federal Government is committed to ensuring the availability of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as Petrol to Nigerians, some Smugglers are bent on taking the products to other Countries for their selfish gains. For the avoidance of doubt, this category of smugglers have us to contend with.
He stated that they have disposed-off the Eleven Thousand Seven Hundred Litres (11,700 Litres) of PMS through Open Auctions due to the volatility of the product after approval from our Headquarters. The proceeds realised from the Auctions had been paid into the Federation Account accordingly. Our Unit has uncovered a new method of distribution of these prohibited drugs.
The Smugglers are now using smaller vehicle for the distribution. Based on the credible intelligence, we are able to intercept 35,630 sachets of Tramadol along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. Also, the Cannabis sativa (Indian Hemp) was intercepted along the same Expressway.
For the seizure of Tramadol and Cannabis sativa, it will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action in line with extant regulations and in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration.
According to him, ”as we approach the last quarter of 2024, which is popularly known as Ember months, our intelligence and the past behavioural pattern of smugglers indicate the possibility of more desperation to smuggle’.
Because of this, they are taking more proactive measures by confronting them with increased vigour in line with the directives of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc(+)
He said boldly that the smugglers’ desperation is being confronted with our resistance, causing us to seize their wares and arrestthe suspects. On this, we shall remain unrelenting and uncompromising.
For emphasis, these acts of smuggling undermineour national security, economic development and social well-being of all citizens.
The Controller said they are not unaware of smugglers’ antics to evade duty payments and sometimes attempto circumvent in the law by bringing items that fall under import and export prohibition.
According to him, in the month of July 2024, our reinvigorated anti-smuggling drive had resulted in the arrest of 14 male suspects. Within the period under review, we made 70 seizures worth a Total Duty Paid Value of Eight Billion, Ninety-Eight Million, One Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety-Nine naira (N8,098,001,199).
We at this juncture, appreciate our Stakeholders and professional associations such as ANACA, NAGAFF, Electronic and Print Media for their cooperation and supports.
Finally, we are grateful to the Customs Management under the able leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc(+) for the continued guidance and provision of necessary logistics in achieving the progress recorded.
He stressed, ‘as we are approaching the close of 2024, I once again urge Nigerians to shun smuggling and avoid being lured into crimes because of their inordinate quest for wealth.
He calls on all stakeholders like Traditional Rulers, Faith-based organizations, Youth leaders and Organized business groups to sensitize their members against smuggling. We also implore Traders and Customs Clearing Agents to be making honest declarations and ensure that duty payment are made, so as to avoid consequences of alternative actions.