Acting Controller of the unit, Deputy Comptroller HK Ejibunu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A has intercepted
7,557,400 tablets of tramadol worth N3,774,600,000 and about 17 trailer loads of 50kg foreign parboiled rice with duty paid value of over N4,59billion.
Acting Controller of the unit, Deputy Comptroller HK Ejibunu who made this known during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters said it also seized other contraband goods and continued onslaught against smugglers in January, 2022.
He noted that tramadol tablets and other expired pharmaceutical drugs were seized based on intelligence at Monkey Village, Kirikiri axis of Lagos State.
While other contraband goods were interdicted at various locations across the country that falls under the unit’s jurisdiction, noting that a Dangote Cement truck used as means of rice conveyance and concealment was also among the seizures made.
He also said that the Unit generated a total of N192 million as within the period
under review.
The list of seizures items are; foreign parboiled rice: 9,675 bags at 50kg each; 297 bags at 25kg each; 30 bags at 10kg each; 403 bags at 5kg each; 240 bags at 1kg each; 3,173 cartons of Basmati Rice at 5kg each (about a trailer load) and 1,076 kegs at 25litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Also 195 bales of used clothes (two trailers); 51 parcels (39.5kg) Indian hemp; 68 sacks of used clothes; 2,535 pieces used tyres; 17 units of used vehicles; about one truck of frozen poultry products; 199 bales of 600 yards of Ankara (one container); 448 cartons and 12 tins of tomato paste (one container); 206 used compressor; 7,557,400 tablets of Tramadol at 225mg each; 7 units used motorcycles; 21 bales of new bed sheet and 57 units used plasma TV with a total DPV of 4,590,312,335
The expired drugs are; 476 cartons of ShakaPain tablets, 104 cartons and 37 sacks of Hiegra (Men stimulant) tablets.
A total of 23 suspects were arrested in connection with some of the seizures; out of which five have been granted administrative bail, while 18 are still in custody.
He stressed that the unit will not condone attacks on its officers in the line of duty or rest on its oars in its fight against economic saboteurs.
“While many travelled to enjoy the yuletide season, our operatives were out there in the field to prevent illicit items from being smuggled into the country. From 23rd December, 2021 till date, a lot more have been seized.”
