The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command Onne, Rivers, has confiscated 21 containers of contraband drugs, donkey skin, and other items valued at over N46 billion.

The command’s comptroller, Muhammad Babandede, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Monday in Onne, Rivers.

Mr Babandede listed the confiscated items to include cough syrups, Tramadol, fake antibiotics, chilly cutter and sanitary fittings used for the concealment of fake drugs.

Others include donkey skins, which he said are used to conceal raw chemicals suspected to be for the production of cough syrups.

He said the command has continued to strengthen collaboration with sister agencies, especially the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, SSS, Quarantine, and NAFDAC, among others, in actualising its policy thrust.

”These seizures underscore our unwavering commitment to curbing the circulation of illicit medicines and ensuring public safety. The implementation of the state of emergency declared by the CGC has proven effective in enhancing our operational capabilities and enabling us to act decisively against those who seek to undermine national safety,” he said.

Mr Babandede said that the command has so far generated over N500 billion translating to 89 per cent of its 2024 annual target, pegged at N618 billion.

On export, the comptroller said that the command had generated over 800 million dollars on more than two million metric tonnes of goods, including commodities and mineral resources, as part of its contribution to the growth of the national economy.

Bayo Adebaju, the NAFDAC coordinator at the command, also commended the NCS for stopping the circulation of illicit and dangerous medicines.

Describing fake drugs as a societal threat, he said that if administered to patients, it could lead to prolonged hospitalisation, poor health recovery and avoidable expenses and deaths.

(NAN)