Two containers of Tramadol, Diclofenac intercepted at Lagos Port
Joy Anyim
The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service recently intercepted two 40ft containers of Tramadol, Diclofenac and Analgesique falsely declared as vehicles, makeup items and Computer Accessories.
Investigations revealed that the discovery of the containers with Nos. MSKU 071916/0 and MRKU 256545/8 was sequel to the latest operational methodology adopted by the Command through profiling, cargo selectivity and system checks of the advance electronic manifest.
The Customs Area Controller Comptroller Bashar Yusuf who made the disclosure stated that the Command is adopting these procedures to ensure that all Imports are electronically monitored with a view to identifying non-compliant declarations and other infractions which could jeopardize the change ideology of the Service.
While handing over the containers to the officials of the National Agency for Foods, Drugs, Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Yusuf said, the containers were flagged following some discrepancies in the documentation and declaration made in the Single Goods Declaration (SGD) form C 2010, hence the need for further checks.
” The declarations made on SGD C-No. 13473 of 09-02-2017 and SGD C- N0. 84118 of 24-08-2017 were at variance with the contents in the system bill lading, which fuelled the suspicion,” he said.
Revealing the identities of the importers, Yusuf said they are – J. S. Akuasosi Nig. Enterprises Ltd. of No. 31 Balogun Street Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, Del-Dominion Gold Ventures of No. 5 Borno Crescent Apapa; Lagos, S. Chinax Services Nig. Ltd. of No. 5 Industrial Road Port-Harcourt and Robby Concept Int’l Agency Ltd. of Mini Flat 4 Nnewi building Apapa; Lagos.
It was learnt that upon the 100% examination of the containers by the Enforcement Unit of the command, it was revealed that MSKU 071916/0 had – 240 Cartons of New Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg Tablets, 240 Cartons of Double Extra Strong Tramadol 200mg, 240 Cartons of Super Power Tramadol Hydrochloride, 70 Cartons of Ibamol – Diclofenac Sodium Capsules 50mg and 60 Cartons of Really Extra – Analgesique
On the other hand, MRKU 256545/8 had 240 Cartons of New Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg Tablets, 60 Cartons of Really Extra – Analgesique, Antipyretique, Anti-Inflammatoire Tablets, 240 Cartons of Double Extra Strong Tramadol 200mg,
240 Cartons of Super Power Tramadol Hydrochloride and 70 Cartons of Ibamol – Diclofenac Sodium Capsules 50mg.
The Controller revealed that the findings contradicted the false declarations of three units of used vehicles, cartons of makeup kits and 850 cartons of computer accessories (keyboard and Mouse).
“This infraction is tantamount to untrue declaration which falls under section 161 of The Customs and Excise Management Act CAP C45 LFN 2004 as amended, ” he said.
Comptroller Yusuf further reiterated his resolve to make the Command a model Port where compliant traders will enjoy all the tools for trade facilitation created by the Nigeria Customs Service in line with Global Best Practices.
He enjoined Importers and their Agents to continually uphold the tenets of integrity and due diligence in their declarations as anything contrary would be viewed seriously.
