The Nigeria Customs Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Intercepts 299 Cartons of Codeine, Others Along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway
The Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) war against all kinds of illicit drugs illegally imported into the country has recorded yet another remarkable result in the third quarter of 2023. This time around the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of the paramilitary agency in its burning desire to protect the Nigerian society against all kinds of illicit drugs smuggled into the country as well as other restricted items, intercepted 299 cartons of Codeine syrup, including 5,600 liters of petrol, and other contrabands in the month of August worth over N100 million along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.
The Acting Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who made this known to newsmen at the FOU Zone ‘A’ headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos recently, said that the service was once again drawing the national attention to the danger of unrestricted access to the use of dangerous drugs, with the effects very evident on the youths.
The new customs boss hinted that the rate at which the Nigerian youths of today abuse substances in the country was alarming, insisting that the Nigeria Customs new management under his watch has a policy of ending the ugly trend.
Showcasing the illicit drugs, the Deputy Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu-led FOU recorded the seizure of a total of 4,252 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50 kg each which were intercepted at Dangote/Imashayi, Ogun State, the Shaki axis of Oyo State, Owode/Ado, Idiroko/Ohumbe in Ogun State, Okoko Mile 2 Axis in Lagos State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.
Adeniyi also announced that 5,600 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS) were intercepted and seized when the daredevil smugglers attempted to divert the smuggled PMS through the Oja-Odan axis in Ogun State.
Numerous other items intercepted in the last two weeks, according to the Customs boss, include:
291 Bales of Second-hand Clothing, 57 Sacks and 4 Jumbo Sacks of Used Shoes, 486 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products, 190 Pieces of Rugs, 5 Units of Vehicles and 170 pieces of used tires.
Speaking at the event of showcasing the seizures in Lagos, Adeniyi said, “Building upon the insights shared during our recent press conference addressing the seizure of a range of illicit substances, this update focuses on the resolute efforts of our diligent officers in intercepting yet another shipment of illicit drugs. “These seizures are a fallout of our uncompromising position to strictly enforce the law and protect the lives of our people. The codeine syrup, which is reportedly being abused by mostly young persons in the society, is associated with addiction and, in the long-term, results in anxiety, depression, memory loss, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and brain.
It is pertinent to note that the damaging effects of drugs have led to preventable deaths for consumers taking them outside doctors’ prescriptions.
“The 340 pieces of used tires seized within the first two weeks of August 2023 by this Unit is not only limited to the implementation of import prohibition list, but also a giant stride to mitigate auto crashes caused by smuggled used tires.
“These tires are squeezed, compressed, and tucked into themselves for ease of concealment, thereby causing them to crack. They are oftentimes expired, their rigidity and strength compromised. Drivers could experience a blowout or sudden rupture as the steel wire meant to keep the tires in shape has been disorganized in the course of smuggling.
“This underscores the importance of addressing this issue as part of broader efforts to safeguard public health and well-being. On our part, we will continue to partner with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other relevant government agencies to curb the spread of the menace and protect the future generations of Nigerians”.
The Acting CGC further noted that smugglers of rice and premium motor spirit have continued to test the revenue-collecting agency’s will to put them out of business. “Smuggling of rice compromises our revenue and sabotage our food security,” he said, adding that despite the biting effects of fuel subsidy removal on the nation’s economy, smugglers still attempt to smuggle PMS across the border. However, he said these smugglers had to meet their Waterloo in different operations conducted by officers of FOU Zone A.
“Any investment made into the smuggling business is meant to be a loss because we will keep battling these enemies of our country. I urge all patriotic Nigerians to continuously support the Nigeria Customs Service with helpful information that will aid our efforts to curb smuggling and arrest suspects”, Adeniyi said.
