Customs Intercepts N10bn Illicit Drugs, Generates N190.56 bn From Imports At Onne Port
The Port Harcourt II command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Onne, on Wednesday, announced the interception of 20 containers of contraband especially illicit drugs imported into the country.
In a press statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Theophilus Duniya, the contraband was intercepted between January and March 2025 and was worth N10 billion.
According to Duniya, the Command’s Customs Area Controller, Compt. Mohammed Babandede said the command also collected N190.56 billion as revenue during the first quarter (January-March) of the year 2025 as against the first quarter of the year 2024, where a total of N162.7 billion.
The command also facilitated 1,274 695 metric tonnes of agricultural products and solid minerals worth N2.34 billion between January to March 2025.
The Customs CAC said there was an immediate need to nip drug importations into the country in the bud because the influx of illicit drugs would lead to increased rates of crime, substance abuse, addiction, and health-related issues.
“It is important to know that importing illicit drugs and other prohibited wares into the country can have serious consequences for both the public and society. Worthy of note is the fact that perpetrating any act of illegal activity is criminal and remains punishable under the Nigeria Customs extant laws, with the legal consequence of being punishable with either a fine or imprisonment, or both, as the case may be.
“A total of 20 containers were seized from January to March 2025 which are, 1 X 40ft Container TLLU6901759 STC 158,400 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100mls each) and 11,690 pieces of Chilly Cutter; 1 X 40ft Container MRKU 2117319 STC 158,400 bottles of Barcadin with Codeine Syrup (100ml each) and 240 pieces of Local Sanitary Wares; 2 X 40ft Containers MRKU4875853 & TCNU2623453 STC 271,000 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml each), 85,000 bottles of CSMIX with Codeine (100ml), 1,200 pieces of Cock and 94 cartons of sanitary wares and 21 cartons of TBS rubber.
“Others are 4 X 20ft containers PCIU0094329, PCIU1014858, PCIU1367243, and PCIU00229679 STC 64,416 X (400mg each) tins of Soupy Tomato Paste, 16,104 X (200mg each) tins of Soupy Tomato Paste.
“1 X 40ft Container MEDU7751984 STC 280 bales of used clothes and 2 cartons of toys and 6 X 20ft Containers MEDU6909397, TGBU3174254, CAIU6719204, TTNU1932358, GLDU5050514 & MEDU2120820 STC 6,300 X (25litres each) Jerry cans of Delicieux Cooking Oil
2 X 20ft Containers GLDU3216822 & MEDU1266507 STC 2,100 Jerry cans of Super Gold Vegetable Cooking Oil (25ltrs each)
“1 X 40ft TCKU7701615 STC 980,000 tablets of Tamol-X, 4,830,000 Capsules of Pregabalin (300mg each) and 288 cartons of WC; 1X 40ft container MSMU5925355 STC 320 bales of used clothes and 1 X 40ft container TCKU 6160305 STC 360 bales of used clothing, 2 bags of personal effects and 1 box of personal effects.”
The command’s spokesman also disclosed to LEADERSHIP that the command generated N190.6 bn in revenue from imports in the months under review.
According to him, the revenue generated showed a remarkable improvement, with a difference of N27.86 billion, representing a 17.12% increase against the first quarter of 2024.
“The sum of N190.56 billion was collected as revenue during the first quarter (January-March) of the year 2025 as against the first quarter of the year 2024, where a total of N162.7 billion.
He stated further that the command exported 1,274, 695 metric tonnes of agricultural products and solid minerals worth N2.34 bn between January to March 2025.
“The Command exported 1.274 695 metric tonnes comprising mostly agricultural products and solid minerals. The total products exported stood at a value of N2.34billion
“The Service is making significant strides in trade facilitation through its modernization project. This initiative integrates various applications, platforms, and hardware into a comprehensive import and export management system.
“This Command leveraged this project with yielding remarkable results, which include the efficient release of containers. We trained stakeholders on the B’odogwu Unified Information Management System to understand the modality of its operation for efficiency in the clearing procedure and better revenue collection.’
“In our continued effort to collaborate with all agencies of government for better results in service delivery. I am handing over a 1x20ft Container found to contain donkey skin meant for export to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service,” the spokesman stated.
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