Customs: Tincan command seize 11 rifles, 6 pistols, heroine, other illicit items
...generates over N420 billion revenue in 74 days
Segun Oladipupo
The Tincan Island Customs Command said that it generated a whooping N420,300,000,000. 000 from January to mid march, 2024.
The Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi stated this during a press conference at the command on Friday.
He added that a total of 11 rifles, 6 pistols including pump action guns, 6 pistols including semi-automatic arms and pepper spray guns, heroine, cannabis, camouflage vests, among others were intercepted at the command by the Service in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA and Department of State Services officials.
Comptroller Nnadi who did not disclose the origin of the contrabands said it was deliberate in order not to hamper the investigation of the illicit import.
While handing over the seized items to the Department of State Security Service (DSS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), respectively, the Controller stated that the anti smuggling drive of the command had yielded many positive results.
His words: “The Command’s anti-smuggling drive has yielded the following results: one 20P 9964 Rifle; another 20P 9964 Rifle; one Pump Action Rifle; one Practical Tactical 30H 80019922 Rifle; another 20P 992 Rifle; two AV Pump Action Rifle; and yet another P10115 Rifle. In total, we seized 11 Rifles and six Pistols from different containers imported into the country at different times.”
“We also seized psychotropic substances imported into the country but were intercepted through collaboration with the NDLEA. Based on this collaboration, several kilograms of Cannabis Indica has been seized. In recent time, we have also seized 23 packages containing 23 kilograms of Heroin concealed in a container, the identity of which we sre still keeping secret due to ongoing investigation.”
On the revenue generated, Comptroller Nnadi he said, “Our revenue target monthly is N94 billion. Our revenue performance so far in 2024 means that we have been able to surpass the expected revenue for the two months that have passed. I wish to commend all port stakeholders who have been responsible for the collection of this duty and also congratulate the Customs officers at the Tin Can Island Port.”
“In January 2024, the Command surpassed its revenue target by 107% and the February the target was also surpassed by 141%. So, we consistently keep improving,” Nnadi said.
The Customs boss also commended the federal government for the opening of the Tin Can/ Mile 2 port access roads, even as he opined the output of the port will be enhanced with greater efficiency and speedy cargo evacuation.
While receiving the seized psychotropic substances, the NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, TCIP, Commander Mohammed Abubakar, extolled the partnership with Customs while observing that some of the narcotic seizures were linked to the arms.
The NDLEA Commander hinted that a syndicate operating within the West and Central African region is linked to the seizures, even as he advised freight agents to do proper profiling of their clients to avoid being conduits for arms and hard drugs.
