The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled and prohibited goods with a Duty Paid Value of N3.24 billion in the South-West, while recovering N728.98 million in revenue.
The seizures, recorded by the Customs Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Ikeja-Lagos, comprised 220 consignments intercepted through intelligence-led operations, enhanced risk profiling and targeted enforcement against suspicious declarations and other forms of customs fraud.
Among the items seized were 4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, equivalent to eight trailer loads; 12 foreign-used vehicles; 2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabis (Sativa) weighing 1,439.9kg; 49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud weighing 26.1kg; one parcel of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg; and 13 parcels of granular cannabis weighing 1.35kg.
The seizures also included 240,000 tablets of Tramadol, 12,000 tablets of Hypnox, 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg, 964 25-litre jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), equivalent to 24,100 litres, as well as 26 cartons of foreign vegetable oil.
Other intercepted items were 686 cartons of foreign poultry products, 414 bales of used clothing and 2,947 pieces of used tyres, among other prohibited and smuggled goods.
Speaking to newsmen on Monday, the Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, said the revenue recovery demonstrated the Unit’s determination to identify and recover government revenue lost through under-declaration, false declarations and other customs-related offences.
Aliyu urged importers, exporters and licensed customs agents to make accurate declarations and comply fully with existing customs laws and regulations, stressing that the Service would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while taking decisive action against smuggling and revenue evasion.
According to him, the interception of foreign rice, vegetable oil, poultry products, used vehicles, clothing and other prohibited goods would help protect local industries, support national food security and safeguard government revenue.
He added that the seizure of illicit drugs, unregulated pharmaceutical products and other controlled substances would help protect public health and prevent the circulation of harmful substances, particularly among young Nigerians.
The recovery of the elephant tusks, he said, also underscored the Customs Service’s contribution to efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
The Comptroller attributed the successes recorded during the period to enhanced intelligence gathering, risk profiling, inter-agency collaboration, intelligence fusion and the cooperation of stakeholders and members of the public.
He assured compliant traders of the Service’s continued commitment to providing a fair, predictable and transparent trading environment, while warning that Customs would sustain its zero-tolerance approach to smuggling, revenue fraud and other forms of economic sabotage.
The customs boss also reiterated the FOU’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic objectives by protecting domestic production, promoting compliance, facilitating legitimate trade and preventing the entry and circulation of prohibited and harmful goods.
He appreciated the continued support of sister agencies, stakeholders, border communities and members of the public whose intelligence and cooperation contribute significantly to its enforcement efforts.
Aliyu called for sustained partnership from the business community and the general public, noting that collective compliance and vigilance remain essential to consolidating the gains recorded in revenue recovery, border protection, public safety and national economic development.