Port Harcourt: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area II Command, Onne, Rivers State, has intercepted 20 containers of illicit drugs and other contraband goods valued at over N13.5 billion.
Outgoing Customs Area Controller, Mohammed Babandede, who disclosed this yesterday in Onne, said the drugs were imported from India and targeted at the Nigerian market.
He explained that 17 of the containers were loaded with codeine syrup and tramadol, while the remaining three contained machetes, cartons of tomato paste and gallons of vegetable oil.
Babandede, recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, described his tenure in Rivers State as rewarding. He noted that in 2024, the command was given a revenue target of N618 billion but actually generated N639 billion. In 2025, with a target of N700 billion, it had already generated N477 billion by August. In total, he said, the command generated N1.16 trillion under his leadership, while also promoting trade and services.
Announcing the seizure, he said, “Some people take illicit medicines for different reasons without a professional medical prescription. For example, codeine syrup and tramadol might be misused for their euphoric effect or to feel relaxed, which often leads to addiction, dependence and crime. The Command successfully intercepted a total of 20 containers, with a combined Duty Paid Value of over N13.5 billion. While being calculative at evading regulatory scrutiny, the drugs were carefully smuggled using the tactics of concealing them under the guise of regular imports.”
Babandede added that Nigeria has long battled the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard medications, which pose grave public health risks, including potentially fatal outcomes.
“To protect public health and combat drug trafficking, the Nigerian government has banned the importation of certain medications, including counterfeit drugs and substances like codeine and tramadol. These measures aim to ensure safe medicines, tackle fake drugs issues and reduce drug addiction, which pose serious health and security challenges,” he said.
He has since handed over to his successor, the new Customs Area Controller for Area II Command, Onne Port, Aliyu Alkali, after his redeployment to Zone A as Zonal Controller.
