Offensive Imports: Customs To Sign MoU with India, Turkey, Others

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Committed to stemming the tide of unapproved importation of prohibited and controlled items especially illicit drugs and such items that bothers on threat to national security, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that it is already exploring bilateral and diplomatic channels with countries like China, India, Turkey and others.

Sacks of the illicit substances on display during the briefing

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who dropped the hint at the Tin Can Port Friday while showcasing a landmark seizure of Cannabis Indica and other unregistered pharmaceuticals valued at over N4 billion informed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the customs administration of the various countries is soon to be signed.

Adeniyi also disclosed that the NCS is working to secure the approval of the ministery of foreign affairs on the proposed MoU.

Comptroller Nnadi holding the microphone, explaining aspects of the seized pharnaceuticals to the reporters

He said “We believe that partnership works in curtailing the tide of smuggling. Last month, I was in China and I had the privilege of meeting with the Vice President of the Chinese customs administration and this meeting culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

“This MoU gives us a platform and an opportunity to collaborate in exchange of data in investigation. So, if any seizure is linked to China for example, we would give them all the information about the shipment and they will give us information about the exporters, sales and so on.

“We have a similar MoU which we are just about signing with the Customs administration of India, this has taken us some time…these things can help us in the investigation and prosecution of some of these cases. I am very sure that once we get the signals from the ministry of foreign affairs, we would begin to executive that agreement with the customs administration of India.

“We also have agreements with Turkey and some other customs administration for the exchange of data that would help us in our job”, he said

Giving a breakdown of the seized offensive substances and drugs which includes three plastic drums of Cannabis Indica, 46 bags of Cannabis Indica and 2,144 packets of Cannabis Indica with a combined weight of 1,072kilogrammes (kg), inclusive of 877 packs cartons of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine; commended the Tin Can Customs Command Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, for the feat.

This is even as Adeniyi said the unauthorised pharmaceuticals which include 200 bottles of 100ml per carton and 82 cartons of Really Extra Diclofenac Sodium 50mg tablets – 600 packs per carton originated from India.