The Customs operatives of Federal Operations Unit, (FOU) Zone ‘A’ have arrested 12 suspects in connection with smuggling of 6,911 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice equivalent to over 11 trucks, 345kg of Indian Hemp and other contraband goods valued at N813million in the month of August.
The acting Controller of the unit, Deputy Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, who disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, said a total of 91 seizures were made within the review period.
He listed other seized items to include 486 cartons of frozen poultry products,368 pieces of used tyres, 13 used vehicles (Tokunbo vehicles) and 32 cartons of expired batteries Others are 1 X 40 ft container FTC one used Toyota Corolla, 49 pieces of car rims, 552 pieces of car used tyres, 205 pieces of used truck tyres and 32 pieces of motorcycle tyres, 292 bales of used clothes and 13,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Ejibunu said his Unit also intercepted 394 cartons of codeine syrup within the review period adding that the sum of N81,449,373.38 was also recovered through documentary checks and issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have been short-paid.
According to him “The attention of the public is hereby drawn to the dangers posed by the importation of Indian Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) because of its effect on criminal minded people and our youths.
“In the same manner, the importation of foreign parboiled rice and poultry products is an adversary to the economy of the local farmers. Smuggling of prohibited items such as used shoes, illicit drugs, used clothes and used tyres are giving serious health concerns.
“On our part, we shall continue to partner with well-meaning citizens by soliciting for timely and useful information to curb smuggling. While we advise members of the public to be guided by the Import and Export Prohibition Lists for compliance.
These seizures recorded within the month of August 2023, have a cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of N813,058,345 “It is sad to note that some Nigerians would pay all duties and levies payable to the Customs authorities of other countries they import from, while they make conscious efforts to evade such payments into the federal government coffers.
“I am using this medium to thank all patriotic Nigerians that provided useful information that led to some arrests, and also the compliant traders and importers for complying with the extant laws. While the recalcitrant ones are advised to stop because it is a crime.”
FOU Zone ‘A’ Controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for the additional logistics supply of two trucks for the evacuation of seizures and a towing truck, which he said has eased the operations of the unit.