By Philip Ezuma, Port Harcourt
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS Area II Command, Onne, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have seized contraband goods worth about N20, 309,890,800.
The Controller, Area II Command, Comptroller Mahammed Babandede, described the success as grounding seizures in its operations against smuggling and illicit trade led by the vigilant officers and collaboration with sister agencies.
Briefing journalists yesterday, st the Onne Port, the controller, Comptroller Mahammed Babandede, said the triumph of the command followed impressive achievements in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade based on its doggedness and unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring the security of our nation in compliance with Nigeria’s import regulations.
According to him the proactive operation of its men successfully led to the interception and seizure of additional 12 containers (40 feet) of illicit medicine,adding that the seizures is a justification of the commitment of the agency to trade facilitation, transparency, effective and efficient service delivery.
Comptroller Babandede explained the break down as followed: 1,721,100 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine,510,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac,7,100,000 tablets of 225mg Royal apple Tramadol and Tramaking etc, puting the duty paid value of the twelve containers at about N20,309,890,800.
“This latest seizure underscores the passion and diligence of the officers and men of Onne Command in ensuring that illicit drugs and other harmful goods do not find their way into our country through our area of responsibility” he said.
“Earlier in the year, we were given a revenue target of N618 bn. Our command is glad to inform you that at the moment, with the aid of stakeholder’s engagement, synergy, collaboration and intelligent sharing, we have surpassed the target given us, by generating total revenue of N634bn, which accounts for 103 % of the annual target”, he added.
The Area 2 controller who was full of praises to his men, stakeholders, media and his boss for the significant roles, bolstered by the Comptroller n-General of Customs through award, recognizing Area 2 Command as the Best Command in anti-smuggling operations.
“This honour has further strengthened our resolve, and we assure you that we will not relent in performing our duties to protect the lives and well-being of Nigerians”, he added
