Customs Corner
Apapa Customs Command Impounds Tramadol Drugs Worth N1.5 Billion Concealed In Chocolates
Author: Cynthia Idowu; Lagos.
One by 40ft (1×40ft) Container laden with 20 Cartons Containing 838,500 pieces of trapacking tablets (225mg) and 90,010 pieces of trapacking capsules (120mg) cleverly hidden in assorted bubble gums and candies has been seized by the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.
While briefing Newsmen at the Classic Bonded Terminal, Ago Palace Way Festac, Lagos where the illicit drugs were seized and showcased, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Malanta Yusuf, said the container was abandoned by the importer for close to four months, having sensed it might have been tracked by Customs Operatives to the Terminal.
“The container has been in the port since July 3, moving from the port down to here (bonded terminal). The importer is trying to buy time to see whether he can undermine our operatives, but we are really on top of our game and will continue to be. If he is not tired of investing, we are also not going to be tired of making him lose his investments.”
“The importer had cleverly concealed these drugs at the back end of the container just to undermine our operatives. We searched the container, we found out that there are 20 cartons of this kind of drugs. Trapaking 225 contains 838,500 tablets, while for Trapaking Caps 120mg, 90,010 capsules. We thank God for giving us the wisdom and zeal to be able to track it and make seizure because it contravenes sections 46 and 47 of CEMA Cap C45, the law of the Federation of Nigeria” he revealed.
According to Malanta, the hard drugs were imported from India “The country of origin of the drugs is India, and we have talked about our layers of control architectures apart from the collaboration and intelligence received, this is purely the work of the operatives and officers here in this Command. And I don’t have to explain how we taught them to do this work, but I’m sure not only this terminal, other terminals in the port operate the same way, so there is no hiding place.”
The CAC decried the harmful effect of the drugs as they are more deadly than normal tramadol. He thereby warned unrepentant importers to desist or face the wrath of the Service as Ports under his watch won’t contain such illicit trade.
“The CGC Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) has initiated the e-Customs modernization which is a complete automation of customs business processes. This begins from the port of loading to the destination where the manifest would show the content of the cargo. We believe that with the introduction of that system, every illicit cargo will be trapped, not only drugs” he assured.
While praising the effort of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other Sister Security Agencies at the Port for their fearless fight against illicit drugs, he said the importation of Tramadol Drug into the Country is a near impossibility as the supply is difficult compared to past years.
Similarly, the NDLEA Commander, Apapa Special Area Command, Ishiaka Yusuf Kwajaffa extolled the ruggedness of the Nigeria Customs Service in ridding the nation of such banned illicit substance, he assured also that NDLEA is all out to track all drug barons in the Country and bring them to book.
“It is written 120mg, but it is just in form of a cover. The actual potency of this is almost 15 times the normal tramadol. This is the first time I’m coming across this particular one called Tepintedol, also a brand of Tramadol, even though it’s written as 120mg, it is just a cover.”
“We have here about 800,500 tablets and 90,000 capsules. The current street value is about N1,560,000,000 for these 20 cartons; each carton goes for about N78 million. It might tend to go up because of the pressure we are putting on them, so it’s going to be so scarce. Just like in economics, the lower the supply, the higher the demand and price; so we are ready for them”. Kwajaffa stated.
The NDLEA Commander thereby warmed all illicit drug dealers to engage in legitimate trades or fall into the Web of the Law.
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By Lucy Nyambi
In a heartwarming gesture, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reached out to the family of Susan Odulaja, one of the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred during the sale of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos on February 23, 2024.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, sent a delegation led by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A,” Hammi Swomen, to visit the family in Jibowu, Lagos State, on Friday, April 26, 2024.
During the visit, the Zonal Coordinator expressed the NCS’s deepest condolences to the family, stating, “We remember the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000. We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being.”
This visit marks the second time the NCS has reached out to the family, demonstrating the service’s commitment to showing compassion and empathy to those affected by the tragedy.
“We are here on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs to support this family. This is our second visit, but it is to demonstrate our continued support to the family.” He explained.
Commiserating with the widower, Michael Odulaja, ACG Swomen, pledged the NCS’ commitment to work with the family and support them continuously.”The service is mindful of the effects of this loss, and we have pledged to work with this family and support them continuously. “When you are grieving and have people around you, it reduces the trauma. Right now, we are going to report to the CGC, and the service is considering, in concrete terms, what to do going forward,” he stated.
In response, Odulaja appreciated the service representatives for their visit and support. He said, “I thank God and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support. Any support that they give us, I will ensure that I use it wisely and invest it in the children.”
It will be recalled that the Service issued a press statement after the unfortunate incident on the 26 of February 2024, promising to follow up with the families of the stampede victims.
According to the statement, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support. We are working with the hospital officials to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on the next step.”
Gift Wada
Assistant Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa has showcased Nigeria’s groundbreaking approaches to trade facilitation at the 2024 World Border Security Congress (WBSC) in Istanbul, Turkey.
Saulawa’s paper, “Enabling Trade Facilitation Under Fragile Borders: Nigeria’s Experience,” emphasised the challenges and opportunities faced by African borders, with Nigeria as a focal point.
The annual WBSC gathers law enforcement agents, industry experts, security analysts, IT vendors, scholars, and representatives from international organisations such as Interpol, WCO, AU, USCBP, UNODC, and OSCE.
The forum serves as a platform for brainstorming and exchanging ideas to address the complex issues surrounding global frontiers.
Saulawa’s presentation highlighted Nigeria Customs’ efforts in trade facilitation, including initiatives like the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and Advance Ruling. These strategies aim to streamline border procedures, enhance security, and promote efficient trade flow.
By sharing Nigeria’s experience, Saulawa contributed to the collective effort to find practical solutions to the challenges posed by vast and often fragile borders. His paper underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing border security issues on a global scale.
The presentation solidifies Nigeria’s position as a leader in border management and trade facilitation efforts.
…Seizes 92 Points to Secure Top 3 Position
By Cynthia Idowu
The basketball team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) secured a spot among the top three teams at the recently concluded tournament held at the Indoor Hall of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abuja.
The determined team, which included Lucky Aliyu, defeated the Federal Fire Service team by 92 – 61 points to clinch the bronze medal.
Muhammad Abba, Customs team captain, praised the veteran players for their contribution to the team’s success in the tournament.
Coach Abba, a former player himself, commended the Comptroller General of Customs(CGC) Bashir Adeniyi for his efforts to rejuvenate sports in the Service.
“I am pleased with the positive attitude displayed by the players throughout the championship, and on their behalf, I want to express our gratitude to our CGC for his unwavering support for sports in the Nigeria Customs,” said Coach Abba.
Sam Onikeku, the Service Sports Secretary and member of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, shared his vision for sports in the Nigeria Customs.
Customs Visits Family of Rice Sale Stampede Victims, Rollout Support Strategies
Nigeria Customs Unveils Innovative Strategies at World Border Security Congress
Customs Basketball Team Finishes Strong at Tournament
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