Onne Customs Area 11 Command Intercepts Illicit Drugs worth Over N10 Billion, Rakes in N190B in 1st quarter of 2025.
By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area 11 Command in Onne Port, Rivers State, has intercepted 20 containers laden with illicit drugs, valued at over N10 billion, during the first quarter of 2025. The seizure, disclosed by the Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, highlights the ongoing battle against the importation of prohibited items into the country.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday in Onne Port, Babandede emphasized the critical role of the NCS in Nigeria’s economic security and development, underscoring the importance of curbing the illegal importation of drugs and other harmful substances. The intercepted drugs include large quantities of codeine syrup, barcadin, tamol-X tablets, and pregabalin capsules, among others, which could have had devastating effects on the public and society.
“It is important to know that importing illicit drugs and other prohibited wares into the country can have serious consequences for both the public and society,” Babandede said, warning of the potential increase in crime, substance abuse, and health crises. He further stated that those involved in illegal activities face severe penalties, including imprisonment or fines, under Nigerian Customs laws.
The seized drugs were spread across several containers, with the largest single consignment containing 158,400 bottles of codeine syrup. Other items seized included jerry cans of cooking oil, used clothing, and sanitary wares. The total duty paid value (DPV) of the seized goods stands at N10,293,677,040.00.
In addition to the drug seizures, the Customs Controller reported a notable increase in revenue generation for the first quarter of 2025. The command collected N190,569,212,397.42, marking a 17.12% increase from the N162,705,313,561.48 generated in the same period of 2024. Babandede attributed the increase to effective trade facilitation initiatives, including the successful implementation of the B’odogwu Unified Information Management System.
The NCS also made significant strides in export activities, with the command facilitating the export of 1,274,695 metric tons of mostly agricultural products and solid minerals, valued at N2,345,268,122.
Babandede expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team for their support, and commended the officers for their dedication. He also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with stakeholders and government agencies to ensure efficient trade and enhance revenue collection.
“We remain committed to our role in contributing to the country’s economic development and security,” Babandede concluded, urging all stakeholders to continue their partnership with the NCS in driving progress.
