Tin Can Island Port Command Achieves Historic Revenue Milestone,Collects N1.046trn, Seizes Illicit Drugs Valued over N37bn

Tin Can Island Port Command Achieves Historic Revenue Milestone,Collects N1.046trn, Seizes Illicit Drugs Valued over N37bn
…..hands over 13 containers of illicit drugs to NAFDAC
…….dedicates seizures to CGC
…….says interagency collaboration pivotal to seizures

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a significant development, the Tincan Island Port Command has announced a historic achievement in revenue collection and enforcement activities. During a press briefing held today, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, revealed that the command has generated over One Trillion Naira in customs duty for the first time in its history.
This milestone, amounting to ₦1,046,496,593,103.60, reflects the Command’s commitment to the policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation set by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

The Command’s success is attributed to the cooperation of stakeholders who have embraced voluntary compliance and supported the Command’s reforms.
The Command has dedicated this achievement to the Comptroller General and his management team, acknowledging the contributions of the Deputy Comptroller Generals (DCGs) in Tariff and Trade, ICT/Modernization, and Enforcement, Investigation & Inspection.

In line with the theme for the International Customs Day, “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the Tincan Island Port Command has tagged 2024 as “The Year of the Stakeholders.” The Command’s weekly slogan, “Reform or Regret,” underscores the importance of aligning with the vision of a new Nigeria.
During the briefing, the Command’s Area Controller , Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni also unveiled sixteen significant seizures of illicit substances and unregistered pharmaceutical products. These seizures, made between May 17 and October 23, 2024, include:
Numerous shipments of codeine-based cough syrups (Barcadin, Broncleer, and DSP with Codeine)
420 cartons of Royal 225 (Tapentadol HVCL 125mg and Carisoprodol BP 100mg)
200 cartons of 5mg Benzhexol Tablets (Brand: Trodal)
Cannabis Indica (381.025kg in total)
Diclofenac Sodium Tablets (Really Extra brand, 50mg)

Other goods such as ceiling fans, deluxe chilli cutters, stainless steel blenders, and Biomal Artesunate Injection
The illicit drugs were imported via vessels including SpilKartika, Volana, Maliako, WadiBani Khalid, MSC Sweden VI, and MSC Katyayni NY427A.
He said the Countries of Origin of these illicit pharmaceuticals importations are:
India (Barcadin, Diclofenac Tablets, Benzhexol, CSP with Codeine)
United Kingdom (BiomalArtesunate Injection)
Canada (Cannabis Indica).
Total DPV of over N 4 billion
“These containers were inspected by multiple enforcement agencies including Customs, NDLEA, and NAFDAC.
“Recall that on October 2, 2024, the Tincan Island Port Command officially handed over 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing a total of 341.025 kg, with an estimated street value of ₦682,050,000.00. These narcotics were discovered in three 40ft containers Nos: MSMU 518030/2, MSMU 602957/0, and FSCU 927461/3), as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen interagency collaboration and coordination.
” Consequently, we are handing over an additional 13 Containers of Unregistered pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC. Total Duty Paid Value for the 16 containers is approximately N37, 000,000,000.00 (Thirty Seven Billion Naira Only) with details as follows:
Tramadol – 920 cartons in 2x40FT containers worth N23B
Codeine – 1,894,600 bottles in 11x40FT containers worth N13B
Cannabis Indica- 341kg in 3X40 containers worth N682M

The Command in particular and the Service in general will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at our disposal and in collaboration with local and foreign partner security and regulatory agencies to check the menace of illegal importation of unregistered pharmaceutical products into the country. We are more than committed to deliver on this mandate.
“Aware that yuletide is around the corner, I wish to reassure all our stakeholders that the Command will partner with those who are compliant to ensure there are no delays in their cargo delivery. “Similarly, we are also using this opportunity to inform those who will dare our resolve that we are ready to enforce the requirements of our law” Comptroller Nnadi said
A visibly elated Nnadi spoke glowingly of the Command’s exploits in revenue drive.He said,”We are glad to announce that the Command as at today the 7th November 2024, generated the sum of N1.04trillion. The Command wishes to celebrate this milestone of collecting over One Trillion Naira as Customs duty being the first time this has been achieved in its history”
The Command’s efforts in enforcing compliance have not only led to increased revenue but also ensured the safety and well-being of the nation by preventing the entry of dangerous substances.

The Command continues to encourage stakeholders to comply with customs laws and guidelines to avoid the repercussions of non-compliance.