Customs confiscates illicit drugs, contraband worth over N10 billion at Onne Sea Port generates more than N190 billion in first quarter.

The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) yesterday reaffirmed commitment to policies on international trade as it confiscated illicit drugs and other contrabands worth more than N10 billion at Onne, Rivers.

Mr Muhammed Babandede, Controller, Port Harcourt, Area 11 Command reiterated this while declaring seizures recorded between the month of January to March 2025.

Babandede who also displayed the seizures lamented influx of illicit drugs and its impacts on the society as he assured continued collaboration towards stemming the trend.

According to him, the illicit goods which were concealed in 20 containers included various brands of codeine syrups, sanitary wares, chilly cutters, cock, TBS rubber, tomato paste, bales of used clothing, toys, cooking oil amongst others.

The Controller also said that the command during the period under review generated a revenue of more than N190 billion.

He said that the record represented 17.12 per cent increase when compared to amount realized in the first quarter of 2024.

”In the first quarter of 2024, over N162 billion was collected as against over N190 billion generated between January to Mach 2025, this shows a remarkable improvement.

”The increase amounts to more than N27 billion, representing 17.12 per cent,” he said.

In the area of export, Babanded said that the Command in its first quarter exported agricultural products and solid minerals worth more than N2 billion .

He also revealed that a 1x20ft Container found to contain donkey skin which was meant for export was also intercepted.

Babandede said that the container laden with donkey skin was also handed over to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service in as part of efforts towards safeguarding the nation’s economy.