Customs FOU Ikeja routs smugglers, intercepts goods worth N2.1b in 2 weeks
The reinvigorated effort of the anti-smuggling drive in South West Zone powered by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Ikeja has in two weeks, intercepted various contraband with a duty paid value (DPV) of N2,055,321,389.84. The feat was achieved between July 25th and August 7th 2018.
The outgoing Customs Area Controller (CAC), Mr. Mohammed Uba who has been redeployed to Seme Area Command, disclosed that among the seizures was the interception of one MAN Diesel Truck with registration number XB 286 BEN along Afromedia Estate by Egbeda Junction beside Alaba International carrying 2,748 cartons of DSP Codeine Cough Syrup 100mg (100 per carton) and 95 cartons of Chaka pain Xtra based on information.
He noted that “This is the second time in a row the unit is intercepting this substance since the Federal Government banned the importation of cough syrup that contains codeine. The substance is valued at One Billion, One Hundred and Seventy Five Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira only (1,175,200,000.00)”.
“The driver of the truck on sighting our officers abandoned the truck and fled. Also, 49 cartons of Tramadol capsules 100mg were evacuated from warehouse in Ajao Estate based on information. The drugs will be handed over to NAFDAC for further investigation.
“Similarly and more remarkably among the seizure was the evacuation of 21 sacks of pangolin scales weighing 1,031kg and 4 pieces of elephant tusk weighing 29.35kg from a shop located in Tejosho market in Victoria Island based on information by the Warehouse Operations team led by AC Mutalib Sule.
“The Occupant of the shop fled and still at large but investigation is already ongoing towards getting the culprit arrested and prosecuted. The seized endangered species have a DPV of 253,566,056.7.
“You will recall that the Minister of State for Environment, Mallam Usman Jibril accompanied by the CITES Delegates from UN visited the Unit, inspected the previous seizure of such endangered species this year and even commended us for a job well done. The trade on such endangered species is globally prohibited, hence the need for us all to fight against such illegality so that such endangered species do not go into extinction.
Uba revealed further that “Within the two weeks under review, the unit intercepted one Ford Transit Bus with Engine no. XL32452L along Olorunda axis of Ogun State based conveying 39 sacks and 1,220 parcels of Cannabis Sativa popularly known as Indian hemp weighing 1, 610 kg concealed with baskets of Fresh Tomatoes, pepper and vegetables. In the spirit of inter-agency relationship, the seized substance will be handed over to NDLEA for further investigation. Other seized items include: 17 units of exotic vehicles, 1,380 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 1, 126 pieces of used shoes, and 140 jerrycan of vegetable oil”.
He disclosed that among the detained vehicles include 7 Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps (2015-2018), 4 Toyota Hiace Bus (2017), 2 Toyota Coaster Bus (2017), and 4 Toyota Camry (2014).These 17 Exotic Vehicles have a duty paid value of Three Hundred and Forty Eight Million, Two Hundred and Ninety One Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty One Naira, Ninety Four kobo (N384,291,251.94) only. While 4 of the vehicles were intercepted along Ijebu Ode Expressway, 13 were evacuated from House Plot 1, Akintailor Close, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, based on credible information.8 Suspects were arrested in connection with these 25 seizures
Compt. Uba used his valedictory press briefing to thank journalists who he said partnered with him in highlighting his performance during his stay at FOU, Ikeja and called for similar support for his successor at the command.
