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Again, customs intercept nine containers of tramadol in Rivers

By Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt
01 December 2018   |   3:44 am
The Nigerian Customs Service, Area 11 Command, Onne, Rivers State, said it has intercepted nine 40ft containers laden with Tramadol. The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Augustine Chidi....

PHOTO: Ships & Ports

The Nigerian Customs Service, Area 11 Command, Onne, Rivers State, said it has intercepted nine 40ft containers laden with Tramadol. The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Augustine Chidi, disclosed that nine containers were falsely declared as containing PVC ball valves and general merchandise goods.

Chidi spoke at Onne Port, yesterday, while briefing journalists on the development, adding that the containers also carried other controlled pain-killer drugs with a duty paid value of N3,060,000,000.

While recalling that 50 containers of the dreaded drugs were impounded last week in Lagos, bringing the total number of impounded containers to 59, Chidi vowed that the service would not relent in its role of contributing to the security well-being of Nigerians, by ensuring that items that negatively affect the citizens are not allowed into the country.

He disclosed that after profiling the importer in the country of origin, India, there was reasonable suspicion that led to the discovery of the dreaded drugs.

The NSC Deputy Controller, noted that the importation contravenes section 46 of Customs and Excise Management Act. Cap. 45LFN.He said: “You will recall that last week, Nigerian Customs Service announced the seizure of 50 containers in Lagos. This brings to a total of 59 containers of controlled drugs so far seized within this month

“This importation contravenes section 46 of Customs and Excise Management Act .Cap. 45. LFN”.He said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) has ordered a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“It is of great concern to the service that we are experiencing increasing attempts by elements to smuggle dangerous drugs such as these aforesaid ones into the country. These elements are morally bankrupt and willing to make money at the expense of human lives. We must stop them as we have a duty to protect our nation.”

He, however, noted that the NSC increasing reliance on intelligence and technology have continued to make it difficult for smugglers to have their way.

He said Nigerian Customs is worried that it is experiencing increasing attempts by unpatriotic elements who he said are morally bankrupt and willing to make money at the expense of human lives. Also speaking, the Customs Area II Comptroller, Aliyu Galadima, disclosed that efforts were on to procure the latest modern scanners that would facilitate the jobs of the command.

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