The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Rivers State, has seized a massive haul of illegal drugs, including counterfeit medicines and controlled substances, worth over N46.399 billion. This latest operation underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring public safety and tackling the growing threat of drug smuggling in the region.

Comptroller Mohammed Ndede of the Area 2 Command revealed the news during a media briefing held in Onne on Monday. He displayed the seized drugs and tablets to journalists, highlighting a significant victory in the battle against illicit goods entering Nigeria’s ports. The seized items included a variety of dangerous drugs such as 2.6 million bottles of cough syrup containing codeine, and millions of counterfeit tablets, including painkillers and antibiotics, some of which lacked official NAFDAC approval.

This major seizure follows a series of proactive measures put in place after the declaration of a three-month state of emergency at the port. The emergency declaration, which empowers Customs officers to thoroughly examine all containers, was a response to the rising security concerns linked to contraband imports. “The recent seizures demonstrate our proactive stance,” Ndede said, noting that the state of emergency had allowed for closer scrutiny of goods entering the port, resulting in the discovery of 21 containers filled with illegal drugs and even a shipment of donkey skins.

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In collaboration with sister agencies such as the NDLEA, DSS, Quarantine, and NAFDAC, Customs officers have managed to increase the volume of illicit items seized this year, adding to a growing list of 63 containers intercepted so far. This includes weapons, ammunition, and banned substances, totaling an impressive Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N130 billion in contraband seized.

In addition to the drug bust, the Command has exceeded its revenue expectations for the year. As of mid-November, it has generated over N550 billion in revenue, reaching 89% of its annual target. This achievement highlights the continued role of the Onne Port in bolstering Nigeria’s economy through trade, while also safeguarding the public from harmful and illegal imports.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the recent seizures, and investigations are ongoing. The seized goods will be handed over to the relevant authorities, including the NDLEA and NAFDAC, for further action.