The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, at Tin-can Island, Lagos, has impounded two containers from India with tramadol and codeine concealment with Duty Paid Value, DPV worth over N550.3 million.
The Command also disclosed that two suspected were arrested in connection with the seizure, with the importer offering over $54,330 (N50 million) to be set free and the Illicit drugs released.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Adekunle Oloyede, said the seizure was made possible through intelligent information from the Customs Intelligence Unit, CIU of the Command, adding that “on arrival of the vessel in Tin-can Island Container Terminal (TICT), the containers (MRSU 592397/0 and MRKU 553432/1) were transferred immediately to the Enforcement Station for 100 per cent physical examination and further investigation.
The Area Controller explained that after the physical examination of both containers on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 and Wednesday, 23 August 2023 respectively, the following were discovered: “Container No MRSU 592397/0: The details on the Bill of Lading with No 227578945 stated the items laden were 1,016 packages containing Electrical Goods, Ceiling Fan, 36 Jewel (Cooper) and Chilly Cutters (Stainless Steel Plastic) but after examination, the container was found to contain: “Five cartons of Timaking 120 Tapentadol (Tramadol), Hydrochloride Carisoprodol capsule.
According to him, each carton contains 50 rolls, each rolls contains 5 packets, each packet 200 tablets. “84 cartons cartons of Gastro Resistant Omeprazole capsule BP 200mg. Each carton contains 50 packets, each packet contains 10 capsules. 876 cartons of CSMIX cough syrup containing Codeine (each bottle 100ml). Each carton contains 200 bottles. 50 cartons of Manual Grater Machine-70 pieces per carton as means of concealment. One carton of Ceiling Fan as a means of concealment.
Oloyede further clarified that Container No MRKU 553432/1; the details on Bill of Landing with number 227898171 stated the items laden were 1,021 packages containing Electrical Goods Ceiling Fan 36 Jewel (Cooper) and Chilly Cutter (Stainless Steel Plastic) but after examination the container was found to contain: 10 cartons of Super Royal 225 (Tramadol). Each carton contains 50 rolls, each roll contains 10 packets, each packet 10 tablets. 105 cartons of Omeprazole Capsule BP 200mg.
He said: “Each carton contains 50 packets, each packet contains 10 capsules. 754 cartons of Barcadin with Codeine (each bottle 100ml). Each carton contains 200 Bottles. 50 cartons of Manual Grater Machine – 70 pieces per carton as means of concealment. One carton of Compo Ceiling Fan as means of concealment.
“The Unregistered’ pharmaceutical products intercepted are regulated products by NAFDAC and didn’t have the required permits and certificates for importation in which the documents are to ascertain the safety of the products to Nigerians, hence these illicit dangerous drugs were concealed.
“Two suspects have been arrested and are presently at the custody of the Enforcement Unit in accordance with the investigation process of the Service. One of suspects in custody, Mr. Boniface Ike accepted that he is the owner (Importer) of the two containers and sought to discuss privately with OC Enforcement, Gambo Aliyu and Team Manager CIU, H Abubakar”, Assistant Controller added.
According to him, he instructed the Command’s officers to play along and “the request was granted in expectation of receiving vital information from the suspect but to their bewilderment, the suspect pleaded for his freedom from detention and release of the containers while offering gratification to the tune of N50 Million, equivalent to $54,330 at the current exchange rate N920.
“The money was collected and kept in safe custody at the Enforcement Unit to be tendered as exhibit. Following an intensive surveillance operation on a routine examination carried out at Tincan Island Container Terminal, TICT on Container No. TTNU 804678/9 with declaration lodged on SGD CNo: 70754 of 24/08/2023, the Container was found to contain Frozen Poultry Products.
”Single Goods Declaration, SGD other supporting documents (Form M and Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR) stated Tangerines which was used to conceal the frozen poultry products actually imported. The goods were falsely declared as they are Import Prohibition (Trade), the Container has been seized for the contravention of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023,” Oloyede added.
