Thursday, September 11, 2025 - The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area II Command, Onne, Rivers State, has intercepted 20 containers of illicit drugs and other contraband goods valued at over N13.5 billion.
Outgoing Customs Area Controller, Mohammed Babandede, who
disclosed this yesterday in Onne, said the drugs were imported from India and
targeted at the Nigerian market.
He explained that 17 of the containers were loaded with
codeine syrup and tramadol, while the remaining three contained machetes,
cartons of tomato paste and gallons of vegetable oil.
Babandede, recently promoted to the rank of Assistant
Comptroller-General of Customs, described his tenure in Rivers State as
rewarding. He noted that in 2024, the command was given a revenue target of
N618 billion but actually generated N639 billion. In 2025, with a target of
N700 billion, it had already generated N477 billion by August. In total, he
said, the command generated N1.16 trillion under his leadership, while also
promoting trade and service
Announcing the seizure, he said, “Some people take illicit
medicines for different reasons without a professional medical prescription.
For example, codeine syrup and tramadol might be misused for their euphoric
effect or to feel relaxed, which often leads to addiction, dependence and
crime. The Command successfully intercepted a total of 20 containers, with a
combined Duty Paid Value of over N13.5 billion. While being calculative at
evading regulatory scrutiny, the drugs were carefully smuggled using the tactics
of concealing them under the guise of regular imports.”
Babandede added that Nigeria has long battled the
proliferation of counterfeit and substandard medications, which pose grave
public health risks, including potentially fatal outcomes.
“To protect public health and combat drug trafficking, the
Nigerian government has banned the importation of certain medications,
including counterfeit drugs and substances like codeine and tramadol. These
measures aim to ensure safe medicines, tackle fake drugs issues and reduce drug
addiction, which pose serious health and security challenges,” he said.
He has since handed over to his successor, the new Customs
Area Controller for Area II Command, Onne Port, Aliyu Alkali, after his
redeployment to Zone A as Zonal Controller.
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