The Tincan Island Port (TCIP) command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over $54,330 tramadol bribe money to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The customs area controller of Tin Can Island Port command, Dera Nnadi, disclosed this at the handover of the money to the EFCC zonal commander, Michael Wetkas, in Lagos on Tuesday.

Mr Nnadi also reiterated the zero compromise for corruption stance of the comptroller general of customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

According to Mr Nnadi, the tramadol was falsely declared as electrical appliances valued over N856 million to conceal them while the cash was offered to compromise the customs officers.

The controller said the act violated section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCAA) 2023 and commended the officers who stood their ground to work ethically and lawfully in the interest of national security.

He further called for continuous compliance on the part of port users. He reminded them that the customs would continue to frustrate criminal activities in the port with the collaboration of sister agencies like the EFCC.

Mr Nnadi lauded the officers under whose watch the seizure was achieved and described them as good ambassadors of customs.

“The two suspects arrested in connection with the two containers are currently being investigated by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control for possible prosecution,” he said.

While receiving the cash, Mr Wetkas described the feat as a victory for the country and security agencies. He specifically commended the customs officers.

Mr Wetkas also lauded the comptroller general for the letter of commendation in appreciation of the six customs officers who refused to bow to pressure and inducement from the owners of the illicit drugs.

He promised continued collaboration between the EFCC, NCS and sister agencies.

(NAN)