Customs doubles activities as war on smuggling increases.

By. Afolabi Oyekunle.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned the people of the danger and negative effects of the misuse and illicit distribution of codeine-containing medications on the citizens.

The practice, according to the service, has given rise to grave security and public health concerns, contributing to a surge in adverse health effects, addiction and societal challenges.

Ag Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi stated this at the Federal Operations Unit, (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, Wednesday, during a follow-up on the significant achievements the Service made in recent times in combating the illicit trade on drugs within Nigeria’s borders.

He stated that “As part of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our society an protecting the well-being of our citizens, of the Federal Operating Unit Zone A, acting on credible intelligence, flagged down a DAF truck close to Ijebu-Ode Junction. An examination of the truck revealed the concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.”

The Àg. CGC drew national attention to the danger posed by unrestricted access to the use of dangerous drugs. Codeine syrup, he warned, is designated as a controlled item due to its rampant abuse by the delinquent youth.

According to him,“Regulatory measures have been implemented to curb its availability and unrestricted access. This underscores the importance of addressing this issue as part of broader efforts to safeguard public health and well-being.”

He pledged that on her part, the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to partner with the NDLEA and other relevant government agencies to curb the spread of the menace and protect the future generations of Nigerians.

On other prohibited importations, Adeniyi regretted that smugglers of rice and premium motor spirit (PMS) have continued to test the will of the Customs to put them out of business.

“Smuggling of rice compromises our revenue and sabotages our food security. Despite the biting effects of fuel subsidy removal on our economy, smugglers still attempt to smuggle PMS across the border.

The Customs boss unveiled the following seizures: a total of 4, 252 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50 kg each) variously confiscated at Dangote/Imashayi Ogun State, Saki Axis Oyo State, Owode/Ado Odo in Ogun State, Idiroko/Ohumbe Ogun State, Okoko Mile 2 axis in Lagos State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.

“Similarly, 5,600 litres of premium motor spirit were intercepted and seized when smugglers attempted to take out these strategic resource through Oja-odan axis in Ogun State.”

Other items seized in the first two weeks of August include 291 bales of second-hand clothing, 57 sacks and 4 jumbo sacks of used shoes and 486 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products.190 pieces of rugs, 5 Units of vehicles and 170 pieces of used tyres.

He pointed out that the 340 pieces of used tyres seized within the first two weeks of August 2023 by this Unit is not only limited to the implementation of import prohibition lists but also a giant stride to mitigate auto crashes caused by smuggled used tyres.

Adeniyi noted that these tyres are squeezed, compressed and tucked into themselves for ease of concealment, thereby causing them to crack. They are oftentimes expired, their rigidity and strength compromised. Drivers could experience a blowout or sudden rupture as the steel wire meant to keep the tyres in shape has been disorganized in the course of smuggling.