NCS intercepts seven containers of codeine syrup worth over N11b

The Nigeria Customs Area 2 Command in Onne, Rivers State, has intercepted seven containers with the banned codeine syrup worth over N11 billion.

The command also disclosed that it raked in over N360 billion in six months, translating to 50.5 per cent of the target for 2024.

Area Controller of Area 2 Command, Mohammed Babandede, disclosed this yesterday in Onne while displaying the seized items.

He said the seizure was done in collaboration with other sister security agencies, such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Babandede said: “In line with the Comptroller General of Customs’ policy thrust of collaboration and consolidation, the Command, on receipt of credible intelligence on some 40-feet containers, sprang into action and in partnership with the NDLEA, Onne Port, these containers were identified, positioned and jointly examined.

“A total of seven seized containers containing 1,054,400 bottles of the cough syrup codeine (100ml), 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 3,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg) and 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg) were seized,” he said.

He added: “The above seizures are estimated at N11.2 billion, which represents a huge loss on the part of those involved, despite a jail term that awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation.”

He disclosed that the seized items would be handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.

“In the area of revenue, the command in the first half of the year generated N312 billion, which translates to 50.5 per cent of the yearly target given to the command.

“As of this morning, the command generated N48,056,806,692 in July, and we still have five working days left in the month,” he said.

Babandede maintained that the command works tirelessly to increase its revenue profile while protecting public health and safety.