The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has seized 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots, 1.8 million bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and other contraband valued at N31.2 billion at Onne Port, Rivers State.
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Also, 24.48 million Tramadol and Tapentadol tablets were impounded by the service.
According to NCS, this development prompted the declaration of a state of emergency at the port as it intensified efforts to combat the rising threat of illegal imports, which had posed significant risks to national security and public health.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that recent intelligence and operations had uncovered a troubling pattern, saying that criminal networks were increasingly using Onne Port as a hub for smuggling dangerous and prohibited items into the country.
He said that the seizures on display include: “One x 40-feet container, containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦923,040,000. Three x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of ₦4,716,573,846.
Three x 40-feet containers: Containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦17,432,506,000.
“Five x 40-feet containers: Containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦8,128,568,295.90.”
He noted that the policy thrust of Mr. President supports the re-energising of the business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow the country’s capacity for exports.
However, Adeniyi said that it was disheartening that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting NCS pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.
He stressed that the seizures were the result of meticulous intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and thorough inspections conducted by the Area II Command officers.
Also, he added the importance of public cooperation in combating these illegal activities, urging Nigerians to provide any information that could help prevent future breaches.
Adeniyi explained: “To address the escalating situation, the NCS has implemented emergency protocols at Onne Port, which include mandatory inspections of all suspect containers over the next three months. This measure, while temporary, is aimed at restoring the port’s integrity and ensuring the safety of legitimate trade.
“The seized pharmaceuticals, which include potentially dangerous substances, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for proper disposal, in line with existing legal frameworks.
The comptroller general assured the business community that these measures were not intended to disrupt lawful trade but to safeguard the nation from the threats posed by illegal imports.
He reiterated the NCS’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of Nigerians and warned that anyone found complicit in these crimes would face severe legal consequences.
He said: These seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items.
“The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities.
“As we move forward, I want to reiterate our commitment to continuing this momentum. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will leave no stone unturned in our mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians.
“We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law.”
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