IBADAN – The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over fake pharmaceuticals worth N596,856,500.00 and 49 sacks of Cannabis Sativa worth N46,935,000.00 to the South West Director of the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Oyo state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) respectively.
The handling over of the illicit substances was carryout at the Oyo/Osun Customs Headquarters, Agodi Ibadan on Wednesday.
While handling over the seized substances to both the NAFDAC and NDLEA bosses, the Oyo/Osun Customs Area Controller Dr. Ben Oramalugo also confirmed the recovery of over N56 billion in revenue over anti smuggling items by suspected smugglers who were intercepted by the men and officers of the Command at various locations under the jurisdiction of the command during their anti smuggling patrol campaign.
Dr. Ben Oramalugo in his words said, “we’ve recovered over N57 billion in revenue, intensifying our efforts against smuggling between August 30 and October 29, 2024. The command intercepted contraband goods valued at N755 million, demonstrating its commitment to combating illegal trade.
“We’ve intensified efforts to ensure every kobo due to the government is collected, despite current economic conditions.”
The command reported N23,974,543,014.49 in revenue for Q3 2024, a 27.5% increase from N17,377,387,591.90 in Q3 2023. “This growth showcases our commitment to efficient revenue collection through improved compliance, enforcement, and monitoring.”
Cumulatively, from January to September 2024, the command generated N56,656,828,685.30, up 7.85% from N52,206,458,966.50 in the same period of 2023.
Dr. Oramalugo emphasized the importance of accountability in public service. “Despite financial strains, our success in revenue collection is a testament to our strategies and hard work.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Oramalugo expressed commitment to sustaining achievements. “We’ll facilitate legitimate trade, ensure anti-smuggling integrity, and implement new training programs for officers.”
He also mentioned plans to implement new training programmes for officers, pointing out that, “By building capacity and equipping our personnel with modern skills, we can better confront emerging threats and maximize operational efficiency.”
Dr. Oramalugo informed, however, the newsmen that about the handover of fake pharmaceutical drugs valued at N596,856,500.00 to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
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He said, “This is part of our responsibility to safeguard public health and ensure that dangerous substances do not reach consumers.”
“Additionally, 49 sacks of Cannabis Sativa, with a DPV of N46,935,000.00, were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).”
“These actions reflect our policy thrust of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation as we continue to tackle the challenges posed by illegal trade,” he remarked.
In their respective remarks, the Director of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Southwest zone, Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, and the acting Principal Staff Officer Operations and Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sam-Abogunrin Olatunji, affirmed their commitment to supporting Customs in its efforts.
They expressed their readiness to enhance collaboration in surveillance and enforcement activities, ensuring a united front against illegal trade and protecting public health and safety in the community.
Items recovered and showcased by the Command are; 433 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice, with Duty Paid Value (DPV) at N41,568,000.00;61 bales of second hand clothes, 10 sacks of second hand clothes with Duty Paid Value at N54,600,000.00; 93 pieces of used foreign tyres with DPV worth N8, 928,000.00; 49 Sacks Cannabis Sativa weighing 744.9kg with DPV worth of N46,935,000.00; 25 liters Kegs of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) totalling 8,850 litres with DPV worth N7,009,200.00; fake pharmaceutic drugs.