In its relentless effort to combat smuggling within its jurisdiction, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘C,’ has successfully intercepted a significant haul of illicit goods.
This includes cannabis sativa, materials used in the production of explosive devices, and various other contraband items, collectively valued at an impressive One Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-Eight Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (N1,648,494,571.00).
During the period from July 25th to September 23rd, 2023, the Zone apprehended nine suspects in connection with these seizures. Acting Comptroller, DC Kayode Kolade, conveyed this information to the press at the Government Warehouse in Aduwawa, Benin City, Edo state.
Kolade expressed his dismay at the rampant smuggling activities within the Zone. However, he proudly reported that the customs unit had successfully recovered an additional Fifty-Four Million, Two Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (N54,244,571.00) through demand notices issued for detected violations. This brings the cumulative sum of recoveries to an impressive One Billion, Six Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (N1,634,794,571.00) for the months under review.
In addition to the significant drug seizures, which included 417 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 9,194kg, 627 compressed parcels of the same cannabis sativa weighing 1kg each, and 9 sacks of explosive raw materials weighing 50kg each, the customs unit also confiscated a range of other illicit products.
These included 1,329 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, 5 cartons of DSP Cough Syrup with codeine 100mg containing 1000 bottles, 1 armored Bullion Van, 761 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing, 883 cartons of various unregistered/expired medicaments, including tramadol, 100 cartons of various wines, 5,737 used pneumatic tires, 335 cartons of smuggled foreign tomato paste, and 300 cartons of foreign spaghetti.
“Based on prompt intelligence and sting operation, the rice was intercepted along Calabar/Akwa Ibom axis and okada/benin expressway, the 417 sacks and 627 parcels of Indian hemp were intercepted at Okada-Benin and Ewu-Auchi Expressway respectively. 761 Jumbo bales of used clothing mostly concealed in trucks and buses were intercepted along Umeikaa/Aba Road and Okada-Benin road.
“The 5 cartons of DSP cough syrup with codeine, and 883 cartons of unregistered medicaments were intercepted along Benin/Asaba/Onitsha Expressway.
The armored Bullion Van without customs documents and End User Certificate was intercepted along Okada/Benin Expressway. 100 cartons of wine and 335 tomatoes paste were intercepted along Ewu/Ibilo axis, 5,737 pieces of used pneumatic tyres were also intercepted along Cross River waterside and Okada-Benin Expressway,“ he said.
He continued to voice concern about the illicit transportation of explosives, especially while the nation was still dealing with the pervasive issues of insecurity.
He urged smugglers to immediately cease their activities for the greater good of humanity, warning that they would face legal consequences if they persisted.
“More worrisome is the interception of 9 sacks 50kg each of explosive materials (fertilizer , device cables and superpower90 chemicals). We all know the security implication if these explosives components get to their destination unchecked. It may interest you to know that Superpower 90 is designed for priming applications and as a column explosive in surface and underground mining and general blasting. The high detonation velocity and the robust nature of Superpower 90 make it an ideal primer for the initiation of column charge. Let’s us not just imagine if dynamites and landmines are detonated using these items,” he said.
He also extended his congratulations to Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who had been appointed as the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service. He praised the appointment as “highly deserved,” citing Adeniyi’s exceptional background, unwavering dedication, and profound commitment to the service.
“We will all make sure he succeeds as his leadership style has started yielding positive results in our operations. I thank the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the entire Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts so far in providing needed incentives and necessary logistics that aided our performance. To my dear colleagues, Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police, I must commend your prompt intelligence sharing, resilience and tenacity that brought about this stride “, he added.
He urged journalists to enlist in the Nigeria Customs Service’s advocacy campaign against the detrimental impact of smuggling on the nation’s economy.
He also called upon all patriotic Nigerians to provide the service with vital intelligence and information that could help eradicate smuggling for the greater good of our homeland.
Furthermore, the Comptroller issued a stern warning to all individuals involved in economic sabotage, who intend to exploit the upcoming period for their unlawful activities.
He cautioned them to reconsider their actions, emphasizing that the Service would ensure they face substantial losses.
He asserted, “No amount of disruption will deter us from fulfilling our statutory obligations, not even the recent attacks orchestrated by some sponsored individuals earlier this month.”
