The Nigeria Customs Service has drawn attention to the danger posed by unrestricted access to the use of dangerous drugs.
The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, made the declaration on Wednesday,16th August 2023, while showcasing seizures, which include 299 cartons of codeine syrup intercepted along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway by officers and men of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’.
He said, “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”.
“It is pertinent to note that the damaging effects of drugs have led to preventable deaths for consumers taking them outside doctors’ prescriptions”.
He reiterated the dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service to eradicating the menace of drug trafficking.
“As part of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our society and protecting the well-being of our citizens, the NCS has once again demonstrated its dedication to eradicating the menace of drug trafficking”, he said.
“Last week, officers of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, acting on credible intelligence, flagged down a DAF truck close to Ijebu-Ode Junction. An examination of the truck revealed the concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway”, he noted.
“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”, he added.
He stated that two suspects were arrested in connection to the seizure while also noting other seized items, which include 4, 252 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50 kg each) and 5,600 litres of premium motor spirit.
Other items seized in the last two weeks include 291 Bales of Second-hand Clothing, 57 Sacks and 4 Jumbo Sacks of Used Shoes, 486 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products, 190 Pieces of Rugs, 5 Units of Vehicles, 170 pieces of used tyres.
The Acting CGC advised perpetrators to desist from the act as the NCS will not relent in its efforts to curb the menace.
“We once again advise that any investment made into the smuggling business is meant to be a loss because we will keep battling these enemies of our country.”
“I urge all patriotic Nigerians to continuously support the Nigeria Customs Service with helpful information that will aid our efforts to curb smuggling and arrest suspects”, he concluded.