By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area 1 Command in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has intercepted a shipment of illicit drugs worth ₦550 million at the Omagwa International Airport, marking a significant victory in its anti-smuggling operations. The Command also announced an impressive 105% increase in revenue, totaling ₦142 billion from January to August 2024.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt during the official handover of the seized drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Comptroller YM Hashim, the Customs Area Controller, disclosed that the operation was the result of months of intelligence gathering. The seizure involved nine packages of Tramadol (TAFRADOL-200mg) smuggled into the country and falsely declared as medical equipment.
“On Monday, 2nd September 2024, intelligence led to the interception of nine packages of TAFRADOL-200mg tablets at the NAHCO shed of the Port Harcourt International Airport. The cargo, which had an Airway Bill No. 020-21171010, was smuggled in two batches,” Comptroller Hashim stated. He revealed that the controlled substances amounted to 54,289 tablets, with a duty-paid value of ₦550 million.
Hashim added that the drugs were believed to have originated from India and were transported via a Lufthansa Airline flight from Frankfurt, Germany. A suspect, identified as Mr. Patrick Agbo, was arrested and is currently under investigation.
In line with standard procedures, the illicit drugs were formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation. Hashim praised the leadership of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his support and commended the officers of the Command for their vigilance and dedication.
The Customs boss issued a stern warning to smugglers and economic saboteurs, stating that the Command’s security measures are rigorous and any attempt to bypass them would lead to severe legal consequences. “We are fully aware of the methods used by smugglers. Our personnel are well-trained and equipped with advanced technology to secure our borders,” he emphasized.
In addition to its anti-smuggling efforts, the Command reported a remarkable surge in revenue generation. From January to August 2024, the Command collected ₦142.45 billion, a significant increase from the ₦69.24 billion generated during the same period in 2023. This represents a difference of ₦73.21 billion, or 105%.
Comptroller Hashim attributed the revenue growth to enhanced operational efficiency, the successful implementation of new initiatives, and increased market demand. He also highlighted the contributions of various tax heads, including import duties, excise duties, and value-added tax (VAT) on commodities like wheat, bitumen, and frozen fish.
However, Hashim noted that August saw a slight decline in revenue, amounting to ₦11.32 billion, due to the Federal Government’s directive to implement a zero percent duty rate and VAT exemption on essential food items such as wheat and corn, which are major revenue earners for the Command. The total value of waivers for the month was estimated at ₦14.91 billion.
Looking ahead, Comptroller Hashim expressed optimism about surpassing the Command’s annual revenue target, stating, “We are committed to optimizing existing revenue streams and exploring new opportunities for growth.”
The event concluded with the formal handover of the seized drugs to Commander Nathaniel Agada Negedo, the NDLEA’s Narcotics Commander at Port Harcourt International Airport.
