Story by Dili Utomi.
The Onne Command of the Nigeria Customs Service with Comptroller Mohammed Babandede as head has made public its half year performance. In a press briefing at the Command’s premises in Onne Rivers State, the Customs Area Controller detailed some of the efforts put in to record the impressive figures.
Comptroller Babandede noted that when the Comptroller-General of Customs visited his Command on the 1st of July, he issued some warnings to would-be economic saboteurs, but that “Despite his warning on that day, it is unfortunate that some saboteurs have continued to engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guideline and procedures. Notwithstanding, in the face of challenging security situation in the Country the Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continue to step up its security function in the area of policing our Sea Port in such a way that those who do not wish our nation well will not have their way”.
He explained that “In line with the CGC’s policy thrust of Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation, the Command on receipt of creditable intelligence on some 40 feet containers sprang into action. In collaboration with National Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Onne Port Chapter these containers were Identified, positioned and jointly examined in the presence of sister agencies”.
After the examination of all the containers, a total of Seven (7) Containers were seized. These Containers were found to contain the following ilegal item
1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml)
9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter
2,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg)1
,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg)
The above seizures are estimated at eleven billion, two million naira (₦11,200,000,000.) only and this represents a huge loss on the part of those involved despite the fact of a jail term that awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation. It is worrisome, he noted that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose. The Seized Cough Syrup Codeine and Tablets would be handed over formally to the NDLEA in due course for further investigation.
In the area of Revenue, “The Command in the first half of the year generated a total of Three Hundred and Twelve Billion, Ninety-Four Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Four naira and Fifty Eight Kobo (₦312,094,367,124.58) only which translates to 50.5 percent of the annual target given to the Command. As at this morning the Command has generated Forty-Eight billion, Fifty Six Million, Eight hundred and Six Thousand, Six hundred and Ninety Two naira ₦48,056,806,692.00 in the month of July and we still have five working days left in the month”.
He concluded that they are not only determined towards curbbing these illegal trades, but also to increase their revenue profile and at the same time working tirelessly in protecting public health and safety.
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