Seme Customs Impound N1.4bn Tramadol Concealed In Diapers

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

Operatives of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has intercepted some items suspected to be tramadol capsules concealed with 200 packages jumbo size adult diapers.

A statement by the CommandPublic Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi said the offensive items laden in a 1X20 feet container has a Duty Paid Value of N1, 447, 927, 050.00.

He explained that the container with registration number MRKU 9090415 was handed over to the Command on November 15, 2021 by the Republic of Benin Authorities under transit cargo system to Nigeria.

According to the image maker, the container became subject of watch by its officers as no importer or representative came forward to continue the process of clearance.

In view of the container’s suspicious nature, the spokesperson said that on December 20, 2O21, the NCS invited other Security Agencies and Stakeholders to witness the examination of the said container.

Consequently, 200 packages of Adult Diapers, 100 cartons of Gabadol, 120mg (suspected to be tramadol) equivalent to 360kg were discovered during a100 per cent physical examination of the contents.

He stated that the diapers were smartly arranged at the front of the container, while the drugs was hidden at the back.

The statement partly read: “The Customs Area Controller, Compt. BM Jibo directed that samples be taken out officially and handed over to National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ascertain and confirm the drugs (Gabadol 120mg).

“Consequently, the Command has also initiated a full-scale investigation with a view to fish out those involved in this illicit importation.

“The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the suspected drugs and Diapers is One billion, Four Hundred and Forty Seven million, Nine hundred and twenty Seven thousand, Fifty Naira ( N1, 447, 927, 050.00) Only”.

Jibo warned perpetrators of unlawful activities to take their illegitimate trade outside the area command or be ready to meet their Waterloo, noting that it’s officers and men are not fully on the ground to challenge and counter any acts of smuggling and anti-economic  activities.

This is even as the CAC added that the facilitation of legitimate trade remains cardinal objective of the Command.