Customs hands over $54,330 Tramadol bribe money to EFCC

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Tin Can Island Port Command has shown its commitment to fight corruption by handing over $54,330 in bribe money from a Tramadol smuggling attempt to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The bribe money was rejected by the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Dera Nnadi, who handed it over to the Lagos Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Michael Wetkas. Nnadi said the smugglers tried to hide the Tramadol, worth over N856 million, under the guise of electrical appliances and offered the cash to bribe the customs officers.

Nnadi praised the officers for their integrity and professionalism and said they violated Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCAA) 2023 by trying to smuggle the tramadol, which poses a threat to national security.

He urged the port users to abide by the law and warned them that the NCS, in partnership with other agencies like the EFCC, will not tolerate any criminal activities in the port.

Nnadi also expressed his gratitude to Comptroller Oloyede, who supervised the seizure of the tramadol, and called him a role model for the NCS.

He said the two suspects linked to the two containers of Tramadol are being probed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for possible legal action.

Mr. Michael Wetkas, while receiving the bribe money, hailed the achievement as a win for the nation and the security agencies. He especially congratulated the officers of the NCS who made it possible.

Wetkas also thanked the Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, for sending a letter of commendation to the six customs officers who resisted the temptation and pressure from the Tramadol owners.

He assured that the EFCC, NCS, and other agencies will continue to work together to combat crime. He said the days of working in isolation are over, as the agencies now cooperate more closely.