The Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on Wednesday said the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 299 cartons of codeine syrup in Ogun State at Ijebu-Ode worth N100 million.
Briefing Journalists at the unit’s office in Ikeja Lagos on Wednesday, the Acting General Controller said the Nigeria Customs Service in combating the illicit trade of drugs within our nation’s borders.
He said, “As part of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our society and protecting the well-being of our citizens, the NCS has once again demonstrated its dedication to eradicating the menace of drug trafficking.
“Last week officers of the Federal Operating Unit Zone A, acting on credible intelligence, flagged down a DAF truck close to Ijebu-Ode Junction. An examination of the truck revealed the concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.
“NCS is yet again drawing national attention to the danger posed by unrestricted access to the use dangerous drugs. Codeine syrup is designated as a controlled item due to its rampant abuse by our delinquent youth. The misuse and illicit distribution of codeine-containing medications have given rise to grave security and public health concerns, contributing to a surge in addiction, adverse health effects, and societal challenges.
“In response, regulatory measures have been implemented to curb its availability and unrestricted access. 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 NDLEA and other relevant government agencies to curb the spread of the menace and protect the future generations of Nigerians.”
Adeniyi Alao said, “Smugglers of rice and premium motor spirit continue to test our will to put them out of business. Smuggling of rice compromise our revenue and sabotage our food security. Despite the biting effects of fuel subsidy removal on our economy, smugglers still attempt to smuggle PMS across the border.
“They met their waterloo in different operations conducted by officers of NCS. The following seizures of both items were recorded, a total of 4, 252 bags of foreign Parboiled rice (50 kg each) at Dangote/Imashayi Ogun State, Saki Axis Oyo State, Owode/Ado Odo in Ogun state, Idiroko/Ohumbe Ogun State, Okoko Mile 2 Axis in Lagos State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State. Similarly, 5,600 litres of premium motor spirit were intercepted and seized when smugglers attempted to takeout these strategic resource through Oja-odan axis in Ogun State.
“Other items seized in the last 2 weeks include: a. 291 Bales of Second-hand Clothing b. 57 Sacks and 4 Jumbo Sacks of Used Shoes Cc. 486 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products d. 190 Pieces of Rugs e. 5 Units of Vehicles f. 170 pieces of used tyres
“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 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 tyres seized within the first two weeks of August 2023 by this unit is not only limited to the implementation of import prohibition lists but also a giant stride to mitigate auto crashes caused by smuggled used tyres.
“These tyres 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 tyres in shape has been disorganised in the course of smuggling.”
Adeniyi advised that, “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,” he said.
