Tincan Customs Saves Lives, Seizes Containers of Tramadol Worth N550.3Million, Rejects N50Million Bribe

Tincan Customs Saves Lives, Seizes Containers of Tramadol Worth N550.3Million, Rejects N50Million Bribe

•Arrests 2 Suspects

By Silas Onuoha

The Nigeria Customs Service NCS, Tincan Command on Monday said it has seized two containers laden with illicit and dangerous drugs imported into the country, there by saving Nigerians from the harmful effects.

Addressing journalists at the Command, the area Controller, Comptroller. Adekunle Oloyede informed.

“The Command received a timely intelligence from the Command Customs Intelligence Unit on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs (unregistered regulated pharmaceutical products) concealed in 2 by 40ft containers with Bill of lading Nos 227578945 and 227898171. On arrival of the vessel in Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT), the containers (MRSU 592397/0 and MRKU 553432/1) were transferred immediately to the Enforcement Station for 100% physical examination and further investigation.

“The physical examination was conducted on both containers by Enforcement Officers, Customs Intelligence Operatives, Customs Police and Examination officers of the Terminal on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 at about 14:00hours and Wednesday, 23 August 2023 at about 13:00hours, 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: 5 cartons of Timaking 120 Tapentadol (Tramadol) Hydrochloride Carisoprodol capsule. 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.
1 carton of Ceiling Fan as a means of concealment.

According to the CAC, 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.

He went on. “105 cartons of Omeprazole Capsule BP 200mg. 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,
1 cartons of Compo Ceiling Fan as means of concealment.

Oloyede noted that, 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 the 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 DC GI Aliyu and Team Manager CIU AC H Abubakar. I instructed my officers to play along, 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 N50,000,000.00, equivalent to $54,330 Dollars only, at the current exchange rate of N920. The money was collected and kept in safe custody at the Enforcement Unit to be tendered as exhibit,”he said.

Compt. Oloyede emphasized.”The Nigeria Customs Service will not be a part of nefarious acts which will jeopardize the safety and lives of the citizens of our dear country, Nigeria, any fraudulent importer or agent who tries to perpetrate such acts will be prosecuted accordingly.

The suspects, containers and the exhibit will be handed over to the Agencies that are in charge of regulation of such importation as soon as the Service directs and the Service may decide to prosecute according to the Service Act, Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023),”Oloyede said.‎

He further revealed that following an intensive surveillance operation on a routine examination carried out at Tincan Island Container Terminal 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 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),” Comptroller Adekunle informed.

“The persistent fraudulent nature of Importers and Agents drives us to be more innovative in putting methods and measures to combat smuggling activities, ensure no leakage of revenue to the Government and safety of Nigerians,”he said.

In conclusion, the CAC stressed that, the Command in particular and the Service in general will deploy all necessary resources and strategies, and in collaboration with other Security and Regulatory Agencies to check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and unregulated dangerous drugs and substances.