Customs Seize N1.7bn Fake Drugs in Òyó/Ọṣun

The Nigeria Customs Service Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Dr Ben Oramalugo, said the command intercepted fake pharmaceuticals comprising Augmentin tablets, Ampiclox and Amoxycillin capsules concealed in 53 sacks with a Duty Paid Value of N1,739,000,000.00.

Oramalugo made the disclosure on Thursday at the 2024 second press conference which held at the operational headquarters of the command in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The Oyo/Osun Customs controller said that during the period covering February 1 through 27, 2024, the command collected the sum of N5,664,295,751.15.

Oramalugo said that when added to the sum of N6,824,954,338.96 already collected for the period of January 2024, the cumulative sum of N12,489,250,090.11 had been collected so far for the 2024 fiscal year.

Among other seizures made by the Oyo/Osun command included 345 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice with DPV of N24, 218, 000.00; 344 (25 litres) kegs Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with DPV of N5, 728,500.00; four wraps (4 kilograms) of Cannabis Sativa with DPV of N126,000.00, and 1,309 pieces of used tyres with DPV of N70,140, 000.00.

Other contraband seized by the command, according to Oramalugo, were 34 cartons and five bottles of foreign wine with DPV of N6, 231, 206.00; 40 bottles (five litres) and 21 bottles (one litre) with DPV of N1,760, 000.00 and N99, 225.00, respectively.

The command also said that it seized 45 sacks and eight sacks/nine bales of used clothing and shoes with DPV of N42,720,000.

Oramalugo said: “Today, I will like to reflect on the revenue and anti-smuggling activities of our Command for the month of February, particularly in light of the ongoing food security and economic challenges facing our nation.

“Despite the prevailing economic challenges, Command’s officers have worked diligently to ensure the collection of customs duties and taxes in accordance with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service. The revenue generated thus far reflects the command’s commitment to contributing towards the economic stability of our nation.

“During the period covering February 1-27, 2024, the Oyo/Osun Area Command collected the sum of N5,664,295,751.15.

“When added to the sum of N6,824,954,338.96 already collected for the period of January 2024, the cumulative sum of N12,489,250,090.11 was collected so far for the fiscal year of 2024.”

The Oyo/Osun Command’s controller noted that in the face of emerging economic challenges and increased attempts to compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s borders, the command’s anti-smuggling activities had been strategically positioned to ensure total enforcement of the Federal Government’s policy on border closure.

Oramalugo expressed his appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, BA Adeniyi and his management team for supporting the command towards the realisation of enhanced performance and achievement of the core mandate of the service within Òyó and Ọṣun states.

“It is also important to appreciate the collaborative efforts of the officers and men of the Òyó/Ọṣun Area Command and sister security agencies such as the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, NDLEA, Òyó State Operation Burst and Amotekun Corps.

“However, I will like to implore all sister security agencies to continue the great work while assuring citizens of our great country that the Nigeria Customs Service, through the Area Command, will continue to collaborate closely with other government agencies, stakeholders, and the general public to address the challenges at hand,” Oramalugo said.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Òyó State governor, Seyi Makinde, for his magnanimity and support to the command, even as he thanked other stakeholders for their collaborative efforts.