Tin Can Island Customs Partners US, UK, Canada in War Against Drugs Importation

—Intercepts Sixteen Containers of Illicit Drugs

—Generates N1.046 Trillion in 11- Months

By DAPO OLAWUNI

In a major milestone for the Nigeria Customs Service, the Tin Can Island Command has fortified its campaign against illicit drug imports through strategic international partnerships, while achieving a record-breaking revenue generation of over N1 trillion in just eleven month.

Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, outlined the Command’s recent achievements during a press conference on Thursday, stressing its efforts in collaborating with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the UK’s Drug Enforcement Agency, and Canadian authorities to tackle drug smuggling at Nigeria’s seaports.

Speaking, Nnadi said “I’ve held several engagements with my officers in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency alongside the NDLEA

“We’ve also hosted His Majesty’s Drug Enforcement Agency from London and engaged Canadian authorities. Notably, the U.S. DEA, in partnership with the NDLEA and customs, has offered training facilities for our team. Though approved, the training has yet to commence. Canada has offered a similar facility, which is currently in processing—demonstrating our strong partnerships.”

Reflecting on the pressing need for international alliances, he added that “These agencies are just as interested in combatting the global menace of drugs, which benefits no one. Here at the port, we are leveraging diplomatic approaches.”

Compt Nnadi said the Command made significant seizures, including 16 containers filled with illicit substances, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and other prohibited items between May and October 2024.

Among the confiscated drugs were codeine-based syrups, Tapentadol, Carisoprodol, Benzhexol tablets, cannabis, and Diclofenac Sodium Tablets. These containers, inspected by the Customs, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have a total Duty Paid Value of approximately N37 billion.

Recalling one of the major busts, Nnadi stated, “Just two days after one of our embassy discussions, we seized three containers, including two containing cocaine from South Africa. This highlights the effectiveness of our collaboration.”

In addition to its anti-smuggling efforts, the Command achieved a historic milestone in revenue collection in the past eleven months.

“We are glad to announce that as of November 7, 2024, the Command has generated the sum of One Trillion, Forty-Six Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Six Million, Five Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Three Naira Sixty Kobo,” he declared, dedicating this accomplishment to the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Customs management team.

Ahead of the holiday season, Comptroller Nnadi reassured stakeholders, that the Command will partner with compliant stakeholders to ensure there are no delays in cargo delivery.

“However, those who dare to defy our resolve should be aware that we are fully prepared to enforce the law.” he warned

The NDLEA, a crucial partner in the Command’s operations, also emphasized the importance of its enhanced coordination with Customs.

NDLEA Tin Can Island Command, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju highlighted the agency’s strategic shifts in combating narcotics.

“In the past, people asked why we weren’t arresting the drug barons, that is now history. With the Chairman Chief Executive’s leadership, we have over 50 drug barons in detention and under prosecution, unlike in the past. This accomplishment is due to the robust working relationships we now enjoy with the Nigerian Customs Service and other sister agencies.”

Ofoyeju further highlighted the agency’s progress in tracking drug-related finances.

“The Financial Action Task Force is proud of NDLEA because of the job we are doing, not just for the country, but internationally. When Nigerians are arrested abroad, they send details to us, and we carry out a diligent financial investigation. This has yielded very significant results for the agency and the country.” he said

Summing up the agency’s achievements for the year, he stated, “Since the beginning of 2024, we have apprehended a total of 37 suspects—34 males and three females—and secured over 20 convictions, with a seizure of over 330,835.79 kilograms of assorted narcotics.”