Customs CG Showcases 299 Cartons of Codeine Syrup, Other Items Seized by FOU ‘A’
Comptroller General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi (3rd from left) addressing press men in Lagos
By DAPO OLAWUNI
Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Wale Adeniyi on Wednesday displayed 299 cartons of codeine syrup bursted by officers of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja.
Speaking at a press conference in Ikeja Lagos, Adeniyi said that, acting on credible intelligence, the FOU officials had flagged down a DAF truck close to Ijebu-Ode Junction, and an examination of the truck revealed the concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.
Adeniyi also said that a total of 4, 252 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50 kg each) were intercepted at Dangote/Imashayi Ogun State, Saki Axis Oyo State, Owode/Ado Odo in Ogun state, Idiroko/Ohumbe Ogun State, and Okoko Mile 2 Axis in Lagos State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.
Similarly, he said 5,600 litres of premium motor spirit were intercepted and seized when smugglers attempted to takeout these strategic resource through Oja-odan axis in Ogun State.
Other items seized in the last 2 weeks include: (a) 291 Bales of Second-hand Clothing (b) 57 Sacks and 4 Jumbo Sacks of Used Shoes (c) 486 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products (d) 190 Pieces of Rugs (e) 5 Units of Vehicles (f) 170 pieces of used tyres.
Speaking, the Customs CG said “NCS is yet again drawing national attention to the danger posed by unrestricted access to the use dangerous drugs. Codeine syrup is designated as a controlled item due to its rampant abuse by our delinquent youth.
“The misuse and illicit distribution of codeine-containing medications have given rise to grave security and public health concerns, contributing to a surge in addiction, adverse health effects, and societal challenges.
“In response, regulatory measures have been implemented to curb its availability and unrestricted access. This underscores the importance of addressing this issue as part of broader efforts to safeguard public health and well-being.
“On our part we will continue to partner with the NDLEA and other relevant government agencies to curb the spread of the menace and protect the future generations of Nigerians.
“Smugglers of rice and premium motor spirit continue to test our will to put them out of business. Smuggling of rice compromise our revenue and sabotage our food security.
“Despite the biting effects of fuel subsidy removal on our economy, smugglers still attempt to smuggle PMS across the border. They met their waterloo in different operations conducted by officers of NCS”
