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…Intercepts contraband with DPV of N1.12bn in 41 days

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Ikeja Command has grossed its anti-smuggling operations between June 13^th to July 24th, 2018, intercepting various contraband with a duty paid value (DPV) of N1,120,714,338.12.

Addressing the media during a tour of its warehouse in Ikeja on Wednesday, the Customs Controller, Compt. Mohammed Uba noted that the feat was possible after a strategic review of the command’s anti-smuggling operational modalities.

He also disclosed that the efforts of his men has led to a clear reduction in rice smuggling considering the seizure of only 34,000 bags of 50kg from January to date when compared with the 2017 total seizure of 120,000 bags.

The seized items include: 21 exotic vehicles, 9,504 bags of foreign parboiled rice (15 trailers),436 jerrycans of vegetable oil, 333 cartons of frozen poultry products, 287 bales of used clothing,198 pieces of used tyres, among others. Just as I told you in our last meeting, its our obligation to support the Federal Government policy on Rice, encourage local rice farmers, the millers and patronize our own nutritional rice which by significance will create employment opportunities for our unemployed teaming youths.

Business Hilights gathered that among the detained vehicles include 1 Mercedes benz G-500 (2016), 6 Toyota Hiace Bus (2018), 3 Lexus Jeep GX460and Lx570 (2017) 1 Toyota Hilux (2017), 1 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado,(2016)1 Toyota Hilux bullet proof (2014) , 1Toyota Corolla (2018), 2  Toyota Camry (2016) 1 Honda Civic (2016), 1 Honda Accord (2016), 1 Dodge Charger (2016), among others.

These 21 Exotic Vehicles have a duty paid value of N484,458,778,92 only.  While some of the vehicles were intercepted along Ijebu Ode Expressway, 10 were evacuated from Oluwalogbon Motors at 164 Awolowo Way Ikeja, based on credible information

According to him, “As I speak to you, nobody has come to claim ownership. Let me use this opportunity to urge the owners of these vehicles to come forward with valid Customs clearance documents otherwise they will be liable to Seizure and subsequent Forfeiture to the Federal Government in-line with laws of the land.For the avoidance of doubt, our action is in-line with the provisions of Sections 147 of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap 45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (power to search premises), Section 158 of CEMA, Cap 45 Laws of Federation of Nigeria (power to patrol freely).

Continuing, Uba averred that “Remarkably among the seizures was the interception of an Iveco Truck with registration number LAM283 LG, along Ijebu Ode- Ore Road carrying 498 cartons of CSP Codeine Cough Syrup 100ml with each carton containing 200 bottles”.

“You will recall that the Federal Government banned any importation of cough syrup that contains codeine. The substance is valued at N199,200,000.00,with two suspects in our custody. “The drugs and the suspects will be handed over to NAFDAC for further investigation and possible prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction. The fight against drug abuse and illicit drugs is a collective effort and if all hands are on deck, we will make our nation a drug free society.

Within the period under review, the Command also seized two containers. While 1/40ft container number PCIU922650/8 was seized for carrying 525 bales of second hand clothing as against used motor cycles declared in SGD, 1/40ftContainer no PCIU871664/5 was seized for carrying 11 jumbo bales of jeans, 365 cartons of new slippers, 145 cartons of new bags as against adhesive dressing. This is clear case of false declaration, whichis tantamount to seizure. We are still investigating this and anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of law.

Uba also revealed that within the 41 days under review, “We have also recovered N67,375,670.5 making a cumulative of N1,188,090,009. 10 suspects have been arrested in connection with these 143 seizures.

The Comptroller averred further that “Following the Presidential directive, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) has directed the evacuation and distribution from our warehouse the following items for onward delivery to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State by Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (NACST); 11,579 bags of foreign parboiled rice 50 kg each, 627 and 485 jerrycans of vegetable oil 25ltrs and 5ltrs respectively, 248 bales and 219 sacks of used clothing, and 33 sacks of used shoes”.

Uba however, decried what he described as “the incessant attacks on our officers”, stressing that “just as the CGC has directed, we will continue to make sure we defend ourselves at all times”. “Hence element that will dare officers on patrol is like embarking on a suicide mission. We won’t tolerate such excesses from smugglers and their accomplices. I also wish to advise the general public, not to allow themselves to be used as shield by smugglers most especially the host communities.  No amount of resistance from the smugglers and their mob accomplices will deter us from performing our statutory responsibilities in all aspects especially in anti- smuggling operations within southwest zone.

SEIZURES OF COMMODITY BY COMMODITY

 FROM WEDNESDAY 13^TH JUNE, 2018 TO TUESDAY 24^rd JULY, 2018          

NOTE

TOTAL DPV                                                                                    N1,120,714,338.12

REVENUE RECOVERED                                                   N67,375,670.05

GRAND TOTAL                                                                   N1,188,090,009

TOTAL SEIZURE                                                                                      141

MEANS OF CONVEYANCE                                                                 20                                     

                     SUSPECTS                                                                                                   10