The Comptroller general of customs stepped forward which was with great pleasure as the briefing was given on the
discharge of Customs mandate in societal protection.Over a period of one week, Customs Administrations from 187 members
countries deliberated on the theme “Customs Protecting the Society through Vigilance and Commitment”.
The briefing was claimed to be a manifestation of some of the conclusions at the Council meeting. It is indeed show casing the end product of diligent commitment to societal cause, driven and supported by collaboration between and among Agencies, within and across national jurisdiction. The briefing specifically relates to Nine (9) seizures recently recorded by the Apapa Area Command following painstaking intelligence
gathering, scanning analysis, physical examination and active collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The seizures comprises of hard drugs, imported cars and expired pharmaceutical products.
The use of a fake registration number and supporting documentation for the consignment clearly indicates a deliberate
attempt to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into
the Nigerian market, thereby posing a serious risk to public health.
Consequently, the consignment was seized in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and will be handed over to NAFDAC for further
regulatory action and investigation.They represent lives protected, families preserved, communities secured and countless
young Nigerians shielded from the devastating consequences of drug
abuse and unsafe medicines.
In accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, narcotic drugs falling within the statutory jurisdiction of the NDLEA will today be formally handed over to the Agency for further investigation and prosecution. Similarly, expired pharmaceutical products will be transferred to NAFDAC for regulatory action and safe disposal. It is important to state that where prohibited items were concealed alongside
vehicles, automobile spare parts or other imported goods, only the narcotic drugs and expired pharmaceuticals are being handed over today.
The remaining goods shall remain in the custody of the Nigeria CustomsService for seizure, forfeiture, condemnation, revenue recovery and other enforcement actions as provided by law.
He specifically commends the officers and men of the Apapa Area Command
for their professionalism, vigilance and unwavering dedication to duty, equally appreciating the sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, the NDLEA, NAFDAC and other security agencies
whose partnership continues to strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture.
They therefore shall continue to intercept, expose and prosecute all those who
threaten the economy, compromise public health or undermine the security of the nation.
