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, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, disclosed this at the handing over of the money to the EFCC Zonal Commander, Mr. Michael Wetkas, in Lagos on Tuesday.

According to Nnadi, the tramadol were falsely declared as electrical appliances valued over N856 million with a view to concealing them while the cash were offered to compromise the customs officers.

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The controller said the act was in clear violation of Section 233 of Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCAA) 2023 and commended the officers who stood their grounds to work ethically and lawfully in the interest of national security.

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

Nnadi lauded the officers, who under whose watch, the seizure was achieved and described them as  good ambassadors  of the NCS.

“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.

Wetkas while receiving the cash, described the feat as a victory for the country and to all the security agencies.

He specifically celebrated the officers of the NCS that achieved it.

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.

The Star