Area 1Customs Command, Port Harcourt Collects N142bn In 8 Months
Area 1Customs Command, Port Harcourt Collects N142bn In 8 Months
By Asuquo Nuwak
… Intercepts illicit drugs worth N550 million at Port Harcourt Airport,
The Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, under the leadership of Comptroller Y. M. Hashim, has collected a total sum of N142, 451, 734, 415.47 as revenue between January to August 2024.
Comptroller Y. M. Hashim, noted that the revenue collected in the months under review exceeded the mandated monthly target of N15, 351billion in the first quarter of the year and N19.189 billion in the second quarter of 2024.
The Customs Area Controller of Area 1 Customs Command, Port Harcourt, Comptroller Hashim, made this known during a press briefing at the Command’s office in Port Harcourt.
He however said that the annual revenue of the command in the first quarter of 2024 was estimated at N184. 221billion and was later reviewed upward to N230, 277, 162, 651. 85 due to the upward trajectory of the command’s revenue performance.
He attributed the revenue growth to various factors such as enhanced operational efficiency, implementation of new revenue generating initiatives, creation of enabling environment for trade and increased market demand, in addition to the team’s dedication and successful execution of the strategic goals.
Comptroller Hashim, however said the month of August experienced a slight decline in its revenue with a collection of N11,323, 319, 175 due to the federal government’s directive for the implementation of a zero percent duty rate and value added tax exemption on some basic food items, such as wheat and corn, which are the major revenue earners for the command.
In the area of anti-smuggling operations, he said the command has made remarkable performance in its efforts to combat drug smuggling, which has led to interceptions of illicit drugs at Omagwa International Airport.
According to a press statement, the seized contrabands, identified as tramadol is a major victory for the command, with a dramatic increase in revenue generation.
According to an intelligence report, over the past few months the command had seized nine packages of tafradol-200 tablets at the NAHCO shed of Port Harcourt International Airport.
Comptroller Hashim, who said the seized cargoes were smuggled into the country in two batches—six packages in the first instance and three packages thereafter, also said the controlled substances were closely monitored on arrival by the eagle-eyed of intelligence officers of the units who waited patiently for the consignee to come forward for capturing and assessment of his consignment.
The cargoes, according to him which had an airway bill No. 020-21171010 were falsely declared as medical equipment, which was later found to contain 271 packs of 200 per pack and a fraction of 89 pieces, making a total of 54,289 pieces of tegretol-200mg, a brand of tramadol tablets, with a Duty Paid Value of
N550,000,000
Comptroller Hashim further said, the illicit drugs which are suspected to have originated from India, were reported to have arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport through a Lufthansa Airline flight from Frankfurt in Germany.
He disclosed that one suspect, by name Mr. Patrick Agbo, a customs agent, was arrested by the Customs Police unit and was transported alongside the shipment to the Customs cell in the Command’s Headquarters, where preliminary investigations were carried out.
In order to ensure proper handling of those items, he said the command will formally transfer the seized packages to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Port Harcourt International Airport Command for safekeeping and further investigation following relevant laws.
He commended the efforts of his officers, and the leadership qualities of the Comptroller-General of Customs, B.A Adeniyi, and his team for their support and encouragement to the Command. He also commended his officers and men for their courage, dedication, and commitment to duty.
Comptroller Hashim warned those involved in illegal activities and those contemplating such illegal activities, to stop immediately as any attempt to bypass the rigorous security measures will be futile and will result in severe legal consequences.
In his words: “We are fully aware of the methods and strategies used by smugglers, and our commitment to detecting and intercepting these illegal activities is stronger than ever”.
He is quoted as saying that: “We are equipped with advanced technology and highly trained personnel to secure our borders. We are also working closely with all relevant government agencies in our ports, including the Nigeria Police, NDLEA, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services, and NAFDAC, among others. We are resolute in our mission to protect our nation from the dangers posed by illicit drugs and contraband items”.
Despite the danger posed by illicit drugs, Comptroller Hashim, remained optimistic about the future, by saying that: “We are poised to make the environment more conducive to traders as we are in full compliance with the federal government policy of ease of doing business, as well as the Time Release Study (TRS) adopted by the Comptroller- General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, in line with World Customs Organization (WCO) international best practices”.
He announced that the command is in high spirits to surpass the expected annual revenue target. In addition to this, he said the command focus for the remaining year will be to optimize existing revenue streams and exploring new opportunities to maximize growth. In his words: “I am confident that our Command will surpass its revenue targets by the end of 2024″.
The event was concluded with the formal handover of the seized illicit drugs to Commander Nathaniel Agada Negedo, the Commander of Narcotics at Port Harcourt International Airport.
This handover, according to Comptroller Hashim, signifies the Command’s collaborative efforts in tackling drug-related issues and ensuring that proper procedures are followed in handling illegal substances, underscoring the shared commitment to battling drug trafficking and safeguarding public health”.
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