Port-Harcourt Area 2 Customs Command, Onne disclosed that it generated the sum of Two Hundred and Forthy-six Billion, Twenty-five Million,Eight Hundred and Seventy-two Thousand,Nine Hundred and Three Naira, Eighty Kobo (N246,025,872,903.80) between January and October this year.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Baba Imam on Friday made this known while briefing journalists on the achievements of the Command in the past nine months.
According to him, the revenue was realised from seizures of niney containers with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,162,424,371.00.
The Comptroller said the amount represents an increase of N44,145,889,008.65 as against the revenue of 2022.
He pointed out that the sum of N38bn was realised in the month of October alone as against the monthly revenue target of N28bn of his Command, which is an increase of N10bn. The CAC expressed confidence that his Command will surpass its annual target at last.
The CAC said the seized containers carried contraband, comprising 724 bales of used clothing,1,805 pieces of used tyres,4 vehicles concealing76.9Kg cannabis,2070 cartons of tomato paste and1,578 cartons of Barcadin Cough syrup with Codeine 100ml.
This, he said, is in contravention of extant import prohibition laws of the Federal Governnment of Nigeria.
The Comptroller also told journalists that the Command arrested two suspects in connection with importation of a pistol and 100 pieces of 9mm ammunition cleverly concealed into an imported vehicle and declared as household effects, pointing out that the suspects and the arms will be handed over to the Police for further investigations and prosecution as provided for in the law.
Comptroller Baba Imam stressed that Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) does not derive joy in confiscating goods, but must enforce the laws of the land to deter smugglers and other criminals.
Receiving the arms, ammunitions and the two suspects on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Eastern Ports, DCP, Operations Ashu Ottah said the handover is part of the collaboration of the Police with the Nigeria Customs Service.
He assured that the suspects will be duly prosecuted after investigation is completed.
