Tincan Island Customs Intercepts N4bn Illicit Drugs, Hits Record N1.046 Trillion Revenue

Tincan Island Customs Intercepts N4bn Illicit Drugs, Hits Record N1.046 Trillion Revenue

The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made remarkable achievements in the past ten months, generating a record-breaking revenue of One Trillion, Forty-Six Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Six Million, Five Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Three Naira Sixty Kobo (₦1,046,496,593,103.60).

This milestone marks the first time the Command has surpassed the one trillion naira mark in its history.

During a press conference held at the Command office in Apapa, Comptroller Nnadi expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for their invaluable support.

He acknowledged the significant contributions of key figures such as the Deputy Comptroller General of Tariff and Trade and the Deputy Comptroller General of ICT/Modernization, as well as the DCG of Enforcement, Investigation & Inspection for their roles in enhancing compliance among stakeholders.

“We celebrate our stakeholders who have embraced our reforms and adhered to Customs laws. Those who have failed to comply are now regretting their losses,” Comptroller Nnadi stated.

In addition to the impressive revenue generation, the Command unveiled details of sixteen significant seizures of illicit substances and unregistered pharmaceutical products.

These seizures occurred between May 17 and October 23, 2024, and included:

Codeine-based Products:Numerous shipments of cough syrups containing codeine such as Barcadin, Broncleer, and DSP.

Tapentadol & Carisoprodol: 420 cartons of Royal 225 (Tapentadol HVCL 125mg and Carisoprodol BP 100mg).

Benzhexol Tablets:200 cartons of 5mg Benzhexol Tablets (Brand: Trodal).

Cannabis Indica:Over 400 packets totaling 341.025 kg.

Diclofenac Sodium Tablets: 50mg packs.

Additional Items: Ceiling fans, deluxe chili cutters, stainless steel blenders, and Biomal Artesunate Injection.

The intercepted narcotics, with a total estimated value of N4 billion, were imported via several vessels, including Hapag Lloyd and MSC, from countries such as India, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

These containers were inspected by multiple enforcement agencies, including Customs, NDLEA, and NAFDAC, leading to the handover of 13 containers of unregistered pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC for further action.

On October 2, 2024, the Tincan Island Port Command had previously handed over 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 341.025 kg, with an estimated street value of ₦682,050,000.

Comptroller Nnadi emphasized the Command’s commitment to combating illegal importation and ensuring regulatory compliance. He announced that 2024 has been designated as “The Year of the Stakeholders,” aligning with the International Customs Day theme of “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.”

As the festive season approaches, Comptroller Nnadi reassured compliant stakeholders of timely cargo delivery while warning non-compliant entities of stringent enforcement measures. The Tincan Island Port Command remains resolute in utilizing all available resources and strategies to uphold the integrity of customs operations and safeguard the nation’s borders.