Again, Customs intercepts another 10 containers of tramadol in Tincan

Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service have intercepted 10 containers of Tramadol tablets with Duty Paid Value of over N3.1 billion that were imported into the country from India at the Tincan Island Port.

This development comes barely 24 hours after the Apapa Customs Command had intercepted 40 containers of Tramadol tablets also from India.

Briefing Journalists on the seizures at the Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service was the Comptoller General of Customs (CGC), Col Hameed Ali (Rtd), who said two suspects had been arrested in connection with the seizures.

The CGC who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DCC), Austin Chidi said, “Consequent upon our increased surveillance on declarations made in Tincan Island Port Command to ascertain imporper/untrue declarations,

some containers found to be loaded with prohibited items were seized and forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria in line with the provision of CEMA CAP C45 LFN 2004 Section 46 and 161.

“The seizure includes 10 by 40ft of Tramadol, ciprofloxacon capsules, Diclofenac sodium tablets, soffeathe I.V. Cannula, Sidencfil Citrate tablets, one 20ft container of bleaching soaps and one 20ft container of bales of used clothing all with a DPV of over N3.1 Billion.

“It is pertinent to note that two of the containers of tramadol had earlier been handled over to NAFDAC on 11th and 20th October. All the seizures were in violation of the absolute prohibition list of CET 2015 -2019.

“The service wish to reiterate its concern for the health and security of Nigerians and one would better imagine the devastating effect on the life of our youth if these quantity of unwholesome drugs had found its way into the market not only will it lead to increase insecurity but will impact negatively on the health of our youth.

We want to re-assure the nation that Nigeria Customs Service will not renege on its mandate irrespectively of its circumstances.”

Similarly, the CGC said a total of N3.3 Billion was generated as revenue between January till date as against N253 Billion in the corresponding period of 2017.

He also commended the command for the feat saying, it remain a trail blazer in the introduction d application of ‘Time Release Studies’ for the evaluation of officers to ensure that needless delays are identified and regularised in the quest to achieving 48 hours clearance timeline in line with presidential directives.

Ali in his remark also lamented the desperation of importer and exporters to circumvent due process. He said, “it is instructive to note that the service has been confronted with incessant cases of infractions as a result of non-compliance and other related vices.

“These challenges have posed some impediment in our quest to ensure enforcement of the fiscal policies of the federal government in terms of trade.”

He further appreciated the contribution and co-operation of sister security agencies the fight against illegalities in trade, import and export.