Customs Intercepts Contraband Worth Over ₦10 Billion

Customs Intercepts Contraband Worth Over ₦10 Billion

By Our Correspondent

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone A (FOU A), has made significant seizures worth over ₦10 billion in a crackdown on smuggling activities across the South-West geopolitical zone. Comptroller MS Shuaibu announced these seizures at a press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos.

Breakdown of Seized Contraband
– Food Items: 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to seven trailer loads), 47 cartons of foreign poultry products, 770 jerry cans of foreign vegetable oil
– Vehicles: 22 used vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks
– Fuel: 12,125 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
– Other Items: 120 bales of used clothing, 57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa

Containers Seized for Misdeclaration
Eight containers were seized for misdeclaration and duty evasion, containing items like used shoes, auto spare parts, furniture, and more.

– 13 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
– Some suspects were granted administrative bail, while others were handed over to security agencies for further investigation.
– The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seized items is ₦3,144,680,000.00.
– The Unit recovered ₦47,834,397.29 through Demand Notices for under-declared imports.

Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized the Unit’s commitment to balancing security enforcement with economic growth while urging the public to report suspicious activities.