Lagos, Aug. 28, 2023 – The Tincan Command of Nigerian Customs Service says it has arrested suspect, Boniface Ike, while attempting to smuggle into the country large quantities of Tramadol and other illicit drugs into the country.
Mr Adekunle Oloyede, the TinCan Customs Area Comptroller, who briefed newsmen on Monday, said the suspect offered N50 million bribe to his men for protection.
He said the two suspects in connection with the crime were being kept in the enforcement unit of the command.
He said one the suspect brought in two 40-foot containers carrying drugs with the duty paid value of N550 million into the country.
“One of the suspects in custody, Mr. Boniface Ike accepted that he is the owner (importer) of the two containers and sought to discuss privately with the command.
“I instructed my officers to play along, the request was granted with expectations of receiving vital information from the suspect.
“But to their bewilderment, the suspect pleaded for his freedom from detention and release of the containers while offering gratification to the tune of N50 million which is equivalent to $54,330 at the current exchange rate of N920/$.
“The money was collected and kept in safe custody at the enforcement unit to be tendered as an exhibit”
He said that the seized containers of pharmaceuticals were coming from India.
“The command received timely intelligence from the command’s intelligence unit on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous, unregistered regulated pharmaceutical products concealed in two 40ft containers with bill of lading numbers 227578945 and 227898171.”
“On arrival of the vessel at Tincan Island Container Terminal, the containers with numbers, MRSU 592397/0 and MRKU 553432/1 were transferred immediately to the enforcement station for 100 per cent physical examination and further investigation.
“Examination showed the container contained five cartons of Timaking 120 Tapentadol (Tramadol) Hydrochloride Carisoprodol capsule. Each carton contains 50 rolls, each roll contains 5 packets, each packet 200 tablets, 84 cartons of Gastro Resistant Omeprazole capsule BP 200mg, each carton contains 50 packets, each packet contains 10 capsules, 876 cartons of CSMIX cough syrup containing codeine each bottle 100ml each carton contains 200 bottles. 50 cartons of manual grater machine-70 pieces per carton as a means of concealment. One carton of ceiling fan as a means of concealment.”
He said the second container with the number, MRKU 553432/1, and bill of lading number, 227898171, was said to contain 1, 021 packages of electrical materials.
“But 100 per cent physical inspection showed that that the container contained, 10 cartons of Super Royal 225 Tramadol, each carton contains 50 rolls, each roll contains 10 packets, each packet 10 tablets. 105 cartons of Omeprazole Capsule BP 200mg each carton contains 50 packets, and each packet contains 10 capsules. 754 cartons of barcadin with codeine 100 ml. Each carton contains 200 Bottles. 50 cartons of manual grater machine, 70 pieces per carton as means of concealment. One carton of Compo Ceiling Fan as means of concealment.” (GBN)
