Adewale Adeniyi MFR, CG of Customs
The battle against importation of illicit drugs and medicament have continued with an unrelenting vigour by relevant agencies of government, especially, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and ofcourse the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) whose activities cuts across the nation’s sea, air and land borders with regular showcase of such seizure, an act that continued to expose the unrepentance stance of perpetrators.
Recently, it was indeed a harvest of illicit drug at the TinCan Island Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) when the Comptroller General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi MFR on June 14th, 2024 addressed a press conference in Lagos where he declared yet another set of seizures of two containers of unwholesome importations comprising of 01x40ft container of regulated unregistered pharmaceutical products and another 01x40ft container of illicit psychotropic substances seized by Tincan Command of the Service.
Comptroller Dera Nnadi, CAC, TinCan Island Command, NCS
Giving details of the seized containers, the CGC in his breakdown disclosed that three (3) plastic drums concealing several packets of Cannabis Indica, 46bags containing 2,144 packets of Cannabis Indica all weighing 1,072kilogrammes (kg) seized from 01x40ft Container No. GAOU 669921/5 were imported from Canada. While he gave the approximate street value of the illicit substances as N3, 216,000,000.00 (Three Billion Two Hundred Sixteen Million Naira Only).
Similarly, 877 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine-200 bottles of 100ml per carton and 82 cartons of Really Extra Diclofenac Sodium 50mg tablets – 600 packs per carton imported from India also formed part of the seizure.
He put the approximate street value of the cough syrup as N964, 339,348.00 (Nine Hundred and Sixty Four Million, Three Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty Eight Naira Only).
Adeniyi however said that the operation highlights a troubling trend and the evolving tactics of criminality and insecurity in our country, while also evidently noting that the NCS is resolve to remain vigilant and showcase her ability to intercept and disrupt the activities of those who seek to harm the nation.
Earlier during the briefing, the elated CGC will recalled that in recent months, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a number of successfully executed interceptions and seizures of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition, illegal wildlife and petroleum products at various locations, representing a concerted effort to prevent illegal entry and exit in and out of the country through diverse routes and means of conveyances. He noted that the interceptions have brought to light a concerning trend wherein criminal networks engage in collaborative attempts to subvert the competency of the agencies tasked with mitigating the trafficking of such illicit substances.
On the negative effects of the seized substance to the populace, the CG of Customs explained that the misuse and abuse of drugs, particularly Cannabis Indica and codeine, pose severe dangers to our society. Codeine, a restricted drug in Nigeria, has been widely abused, leading to devastating effects on our youth.
Continuing, he said this substance not only impairs the health and well-being of individuals but also contributes to the rise in criminal activities. Cannabis Indica, similarly, has become a significant concern, with its abuse leading to mental health issues, addiction, and social problems. Unchecked activities involving restricted items serve multiple purposes for criminal elements.
Giving instances, Adeniyi said such illicit drugs are used as stimulants by criminals, and it further fuels societal unrest and instability. Additionally, the proceeds from the illicit drug trade are often used to finance disruptions by non-state actors, posing a significant threat to our national security and economic stability.
“The Nigerian government under the President Bola Ahmed led Administration is determined to stabilize the economy and create an environment where all citizens can thrive and prosper. As part of these efforts, the NCS plays a crucial role not only in revenue collection from legitimate trade but also in the protection of our society. Our mandate includes ensuring that harmful and illegal substances do not find their way into our communities.
“It is within this context that the ongoing collaborative efforts between the NCS and the Nigeria Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have consistently yielded positive results”, the CGC said.
To this, the Comptroller General also recalled that in the past, his led management have reiterated that the collaborative synergy between NCS and its partner agencies exemplifies the effectiveness of pooling resources and intelligence, reinforcing the commitment of our agencies to safeguarding the nation’s borders and protecting its citizens from the threats posed by smuggling.
He however noted that it is against this background that NCS is pleased to provide above updated feat on the battle against importation of illicit drugs and medicament.
According to him, the NCS will continue to work closely with relevant national and international agencies to conduct operations that lead to the interception of illegal goods and the disruption of criminal networks. “We urge all patriotic Nigerians to continue their legitimate business activities, assured that the NCS is actively working with stakeholders to ease the challenges faced by businesses and the general public”, he said.
The customs boss however appreciated all that witnessed the critical press conference, where recent seizures of unregistered drugs were highlighted, revealing the persistent challenges posed by sophisticated smuggling networks, while he said that investigations are currently ongoing, and perpetuators of such crime will be made to serve the full wrath of the law.
“Let this seizure serve as a warning to those who engage in illicit activities that the NCS remains vigilant and dedicated to protecting our society. NCS is more than ever committed to ensuring that the benefits of a stable and prosperous economy are enjoyed by all Nigerians”, Adeniyi stressed.
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