Tincan Customs Rakes in N1.4 Trillion Revenue, Seizes Illicit Drug Shipments Worth Billions
The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record-breaking revenue collection of over N1 trillion and unveiled sixteen major seizures of illicit and unregistered pharmaceuticals.
Speaking at a press briefing held in Apapa, Dan Nnadi, Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port Command, highlighted the impressive revenue generation efforts, attributing the achievement to the collaborative policies outlined by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The Controller remarked, “This milestone, the first of its kind in our Command’s history, symbolises the dedication and resilience of our officers and the sustained support of compliant stakeholders.”
Reflecting the NCS’s 2024 theme, “The Year of the Stakeholders,” Nnadi noted that the Command’s weekly slogans serve as motivational mantras, with the current slogan, “Reform or Regret,” reinforcing the message that stakeholders must align with the vision for a new Nigeria.
He disclosed that, as of 7th November, the Command has amassed a staggering N1,046,496,593,103.60 in Customs duties.
Nnadi dedicated this landmark achievement to the Comptroller General and the management team, who provided critical support, particularly through the DCG Tariff and Trade, DCG ICT/Modernisation, and DCG Enforcement, Investigation & Inspection divisions.
He emphasised the importance of securing Nigeria’s borders to ensure increased revenue flow from the ports, attributing the boost in revenue to enhanced stakeholder cooperation and rigorous compliance enforcement.
In a concerted crackdown on illegal drug imports, the Command unveiled sixteen seized containers of unauthorised pharmaceuticals, cannabis, and other goods.
According to Nnadi, these seizures, the outcome of rigorous inspections and collaboration between Customs, NDLEA, and NAFDAC, include:
Codeine-Based Cough Syrups: Multiple shipments of Barcadin, Broncleer, and DSP with Codeine.
Tapentadol and Carisoprodol: 420 cartons of Royal 225 containing these potent painkillers.
Benzhexol Tablets: 200 cartons of Trodal brand 5mg tablets.
Cannabis Indica: Quantities totalling 341.025 kg, with a street value of ₦682,050,000.
Diclofenac Sodium: Really Extra 50mg tablets and various other pharmaceutical products.
The importation sources span several countries, including India, the United Kingdom, and Canada, with shipments arriving aboard vessels operated by Hapag Lloyd and MSC.
Thirteen of the sixteen containers are being handed over to NAFDAC for further regulatory action, in line with the Command’s commitment to interagency cooperation and public safety.
The Customs Area Controller reminded the public of a previous handover on 2nd October, where 684 packets of Cannabis Indica (341.025 kg) were seized from three containers.
Nnadi stressed, “The NCS, in partnership with local and international regulatory bodies, will continue to deploy all necessary resources and strategies to combat the menace of illegal importation of unregistered pharmaceuticals into Nigeria.”
As the festive season approaches, Nnadi assured compliant stakeholders of timely cargo processing to facilitate smooth operations during the high-traffic period.
He also issued a stern warning to those intending to contravene Customs regulations, affirming the Command’s readiness to enforce strict compliance to protect the Nigerian public.
In closing, Nnadi extended his gratitude to all stakeholders supporting the Command’s vision and reiterated the Customs Service’s commitment to a safe and drug-free society.
“We thank you for your partnership in sustaining the protection of the Nigerian society,” he concluded, encouraging ongoing cooperation.
