*Records N240.3b revenue collection for January to date
From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
The Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it intercepted 23 packets containing a total of 23kg heroine, as well high-caliber arms, including 12 pieces of rifles and six pistols.
Showcasing these to newsmen in Lagos over the weekend, the Area Commander, Compt. Dera Nnadi, disclosed that the command also posted a record revenue collection of approximately N240.302 billion for January 2024 till date.
The figure, Nnadi explained, comprised approximately N88.430 billion for January 2024, and N100.399 billion for February, while N42.473 billion has already been collected for March, up till 13th.
Comparatively, the January figure is 7.89 per cent higher than the N42.536 billion for the corresponding period of 2023, while the total for February 2024 is 41.82 per cent higher than the N41.518 billion collected in the corresponding period of 2023.
For non-compliant international trade, Compt. Nnadi listed the seizures as 12 pieces of rifles and six pistols, and two packets of 50pcs x 9mm live ammunition, totaling 100 rounds; 23kg heroine in 23 packets, comprising 10pkts x 1kg of White 999, 3pkts x 1kg of White 888, 8pkts x 1kg of Blue Saphire, and 2pkts x 1kg of 777 Bentley.
There were also flat screen television sets, HP printer, six cartons containing scanner machines, five empty metal jerry cans, two washing machines, three sets of bed frames, a set of living room furniture, three used microwaves and one used vacuum cleaner, among others
Nnadi commended the officers and men of the command, stating that the “enforcement unit has coordinated several 100 per cent physical examinations under my supervision, in collaboration with critical stakeholders, to ensure that the command is freed of any form of non-compliant international trade.”
Receiving the drugs, the Commander, TCIC Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohammed Aminu Abubakar, warned clearing agents and freight forwarders to avoid being used by drug cartels who use innocent agents without leaving a trace.
Abubakar disclosed that the drug import syndicates do not have accurate addresses and names, hence the freight agents should assist the agency and country by insisting on knowing who they are dealing with.
“Where you cannot produce the owner of the consignment, you will be held responsible. These people try to be anonymous to all of us, that is why they use third-party. Their addresses and names are never accurate,” he explained.
