Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Customs Area Controller in charge of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, MMAC, Comptroller Michael Awe, has declared Lagos Airport unsafe for smugglers, as the command intercepted illicit consignments worth ₦5 billion.
Speaking at a press briefing at Ikeja, Comptroller Awe said the seizures which include cannabis, tramadol, and other controlled drugs were imported without required certification.
“On the 30th of July, during a joint examination, a consignment with AWB number 235-63882254/2pkgs was found to conceal Canadian Cannabis Sativa valued at ₦1.3 billion. Another with AWB number 071-58012706/6pkgs contained 294,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol Hydrochloride with a duty paid value of ₦1.1 billion,” Awe revealed.
He added that on September 17th, two consignments with AWB numbers 071-58231670 and 071-58234433 were intercepted. They contained Pregabalin (300mg), Sardalud (2mg), and Norflex (50mg) , tablets which are controlled medications valued at ₦2.49 billion.
“The total seizures stand at ₦5 billion. I urge the public to be vigilant and buy medicines only from reputable sources,” the Area Controller said.
The seized items were officially handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, signifying ongoing synergy between the two agencies.
Receiving the items, Director of NAFDAC MMAC, Nwude Kelechi, commended the collaboration between the two agencies. “I want to use this medium to inform those that engage in illicit drug trade that there is no hiding place anymore. Whatever method they adopt, we will always unravel it, and today is a clear example.”
In a separate ceremony, Comptroller Awe decorated newly promoted officers, urging them to embrace discipline and responsibility.
“Promotion comes with more responsibility and hard work. The successes of this command are products of your diligence and commitment,” he charged.
The officers pledged to uphold the service’s integrity and remain dedicated to its mission.
