Customs seizes container of illicit drugs declared as spare parts

By Ajibola Abayomi

Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), Tincan Island Port, Lagos has handed over a 40ft container with number MRKU 519445/3 containing cartons of Spectradol (Tramadol) capsules of various quantities, Spectra-Doxycycline capsules of various quantities as well as Jinart tablets to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, NCS Tincan Island Port, Uche Ejesieme, other intercepted drugs delivered by the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Bashar Yusuf also included Clarinthromycin tablets of 500 quantities and Jincold-extra strength capsules of various quantities.
The controller noted that that the products were highly regulated and Nigerian youths consume them illegally at an alarming proportion.
According to him, the side effect of the drugs often led the youth into committing despicable acts having far reaching negative implications on their health and the nation at large.
He opined that that the seizure of drugs in recent times was due to heightened political activities leading to the 2019 general election.
The Controller said the command recently seized several banned substances like arms, cars, drugs and others, and regretted that an importer who declared pharmaceutical products as imported vehicles and the other container as containing computer accessories had no good intention for the country.
“It’s not just about money but the health and well-being of the people, every Nigerian should show care about the life of Nigerians and it’s not about revenue nor trade facilitation but about the good of Nigeria and Nigerians, so this must stop”.
The identity of the importer was revealed as Jin Spectra Pharmaceutical Limited of No. 3 Festing Road, Kano while the clearing agency was identified as Febeaco Nigeria Limited of 29, Apapa/Oshodi Expressway, Ibafon, Apapa- Lagos.
Bashar expressed confidence in the officials of the NDLEA whom he said would effectively complete the investigation and bring the importers to book, by using the address and the information provided.
He said NCS would not allow unpatriotic importers and agents to use Tincan Island Port as a dumping ground to perpetrate their illegal operations, recalling that some weeks ago two
According to him, there were over one 100 million youths in Nigeria and if the drugs were allowed unregulated access to these drugs, it would portend great danger for the nation.
Receiving the consignment the Chairman of NDLEA, Tincan Island Port chapter , Mr. Nse Jack commended the Controller for his consistent commitment to the concept of Inter-Agency collaboration and synergy over time.
He assured the CAC that NDLEA would conduct further due diligence test to unravel details of the importer for eventual prosecution of suspects.

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