Customs impounds 2,625 cartons of codeine, others

The Area 11 Command of the Nigeria Customs, Onne, Rivers State, has impounded 2,625 cartons of codeine cough syrup and 80 cartons of sildenafil citrate tablets concealed with 40 cartons of deluxe chilly cutter. The Area 11 Comptroller of Customs, Onne, Mohammed Babandede who displayed the impounded items to journalists at Onne, on Friday,  said […]

The Area 11 Command of the Nigeria Customs, Onne, Rivers State, has impounded 2,625 cartons of codeine cough syrup and 80 cartons of sildenafil citrate tablets concealed with 40 cartons of deluxe chilly cutter.

The Area 11 Comptroller of Customs, Onne, Mohammed Babandede who displayed the impounded items to journalists at Onne, on Friday,  said the items valued at N2,250,654,000 were concealed and falsely declared. 

He said the items are very hazardous to health as many reported cases of organ failures were attributed to excessive consumption of codeine. 

He said the Nigeria Customs collaboration with sister agencies such as NDLEA led to the discovery of the items. 

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He said: “The seized items on display are as follows; 4 × 20 feet containers laden with bales of clothing, lace and fabrics (96 jumbo size in total) with duty paid value of N911,520,011.00. 

“Also seized were 2×40 feet containers laden with 2,625 cartons of cough syrup codeine, 80 cartons of sildenafil citrate tablets and 40 cartoons of deluxe chilly cutter with duty paid value of N2,250,065,000.00(based on concealment, false declaration, contravention of revised import prohibition guideline and section 55 sub section (1) paragraphs (C) and (I) of NCS Act 2023).

“The contents of these imports contravene the provision of the law, which prohibits and restricts certain goods for the protection of the public health and safety.” 

He thanked the NDLEA for their collaboration and inter-agency cooperation as seizures of such magnitude could not have been possible without their involvement.