"Generates N62.017 from Under-declaration of Cargoes"
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Federal Operations Unit, Zone 'A', Lagos, in the month of June, 2024, made a seizure of smuggled goods with duty paid value of N3.63 billion, and also generated N62.017 million from under-declaration of cargoes by importers.
The unit's Controller, Comptroller Kola Oladeji,at a press briefing held on Thursday , disclosed that four suspects arrested in connection with the seizures are currently held in custody.
He disclosed that 1,500 pieces of bulletproof vests; 7,150 bags (50 kg each) of foreign parboiled rice; 32 units of used motor; 120 bags (50 kg each) of sugar; 343,750 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol; and 3,560 cartons of poultry products worth N3.63 billion, were intercepted in that month.
Also recovered were 989 kg of Indian Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) and 5,229 cartons of expired drugs.
According to the Controller, the vehicle used in the conveyance of the goods were intercepted at various border posts and points within the unit's coverage area in southwest.
Speaking on the intercepted bullet proof vests, expired drugs and Indian hemp, Comptroller Oladeji disclosed that it was through the dedication of officers and men of the unit, saying, "These decisive and uncompromising actions took place at various times and locations within the South-Western States.
For the bullet proof vests, he said," The seizure of bulletproof vests is unique because it’s a breach of security, they are organized certificates. No End User Certificate (EUC), because you get EUC before you bring your cargo into the country, and if you bring it after importation, we will arrest you. You can bring in arms if the NSA licenses you to import arms".
According to him, under Schedule four of the Customs Common External Tariff (CET), the importation of all kinds of military wares by individuals is under “absolute prohibition”. EUC is required for the importation of controlled items and products into Nigeria.
"We have always been working on credible intelligence, and if it evades the eagle eye of the officers at the seaports, our officers roving around the hinterland will get them. We have intelligence on the cargoes moving", he stated.
On the health implications of illicit and hard drugs, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), recalled the submission of some security and medical experts on the intake of illicit drugs, to the effect that it could lead to mental health cases, "and are most often motivated for the wrong reasons, where extreme motivations could lead to loss of conscience that aids the commission of crimes.
"The intake of expired drugs", the unit's boss said, "can have serious health consequences on the kidneys and the liver, inclusive of the development of allergies and lowering of immunity", adding that "Security is the bed-rock of Nigeria’s economy, which underscores the federal government’s commitment to achieving self-sustaining growth that would enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
Part of the statement reads thus: “Four suspects were apprehended in connection with various offenses, including violating import/export guidelines, concealment, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives. The cumulative DPV of the intercepted goods amounts to N3.63 billion.
“Furthermore, the unit recovered the sum of N62.0 million in revenue for the month of June 20024 through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of Demand Notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate Customs duties.
“I implore all patriotic citizens to provide useful and timely information that would lead to the arrest of illegal importation of military wares, illicit drugs and counterfeit goods.
“Importers and licensed agents are also urged to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their goods", Comptroller Oladeji stated.
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