AJOKE PHILIP
Consumers of sex enhancement drugs have been warned to stay away or be watchful as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday intercepted cartons of expired stimulant drugs meant for Lagos market.
Speaking to journalists yesterday, the acting Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, ag Compt. Hussein Ejibunu said his officers intercepted expired stimulants that include 476 cartons of Shkapain tablet, 104 cartons of Heigra men and 37 sacks of Heigra men.
Ejibunu further disclosed that 7,557,400 tablets of 225mg Tramadol valued at N3.7billion were also intercepted during the anti-smuggling war of January 2022.
He also said 23 suspected smugglers were arrested said the unit’s anti smuggling and revenue recovery activities will increase this year due to the support and logistics upgrade it received from the service management.
The acting Comptroller, however, give the breakdown of the seizures, t include 1,076 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 68 sacks of used cloth; 2,535 pieces used tyres; 17 units of used vehicles and 206 used compressors.
Others are 1,076 kegs at 25litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 195 bales of used clothes; 51 parcels (39.5KG) Indian hemp; 7,557,400 tablets of 225mg Tramadol; 7 units used motorcycles; 21 bales of new bed sheet and 57 units used plasma TV.
He said, “While many travelled to enjoy the yuletide season, our operatives were out there in the field to prevent illicit items from being smuggled into the country. From 23rd December, 2021 till date, a lot more have been seized thereby setting the stage for today’s Press Briefing.
“Despite the ups and downs, the Unit waxed on positively in the fight against smuggling as witnessed by you all. It is only regrettable that we lost 4 gallant officers in the line of duty that same year.
“If there is anything the Unit will not condone, it is to lose any of our officers to smugglers this year. New approach and tactics strictly to our chest will be deployed this time around. Smugglers are by this warned to stay away from smuggling.
“Our zeal to perform even better this year is predicated on the untiring support we get from the CGC – Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) – and his Management by way of welfare, capacity building, insurance scheme and provision of logistics.
“We are equally well equipped with relevant Sections of Customs and Excise Management Act CAP C45 LFN 2004 as amended to perform our legitimate duties without fear or favour.
“Some of such provisions are; Section 158 which gives us power to patrol freely; Section 11 – power to arrest and prosecute anyone seen to obstruct officers from performing their duties; Section 46 – Power to seize; Section 147 – Power to enter any premises without search warrant and many more.”