In a recent crackdown, the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, has confiscated contraband goods worth over N1.2 billion within a span of six weeks.
Comptroller Mohammed Shu’aibu, speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, emphasized that this achievement highlights the unit’s enhanced surveillance and enforcement efforts throughout the South-West region.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized merchandise was reported to be approximately N1.188 billion, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Among the confiscated items were 5,015 bags of imported rice, equivalent to eight fully loaded trailers, alongside 15 used vehicles, 143 bales of secondhand clothing, two large sacks of used footwear, and one sack containing assorted worn garments.
Additionally, the unit intercepted 390 bottles of codeine, 310 packs of foreign pharmaceutical products, 19 cards of tramadol, and 210 used tires.
Comptroller Shu’aibu also disclosed the seizure of a 20-foot container (number ONEU 2419369 FTC) carrying 752 cartons of calcium lactate, which was falsely declared. Other notable confiscations included 640 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 431.8 kilograms and 460 jerrycans containing 11,500 litres of petrol.
Four individuals linked to these illegal activities were apprehended and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution. Furthermore, the unit recovered N39.2 million through demand notices issued to importers for undervaluation between September 1 and October 7.
Additional Details
Shu’aibu reiterated the command’s dedication to facilitating lawful trade while rigorously enforcing customs laws. He highlighted that these operations are part of ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and enforce the federal government’s 2016 ban on importing foreign parboiled rice via land borders.
- The confiscated narcotics and pharmaceuticals were transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for proper examination and disposal.
- Mr. Taiwo Kareem, Chief Regulatory Officer at NAFDAC, praised the Customs Service for their vigilance, revealing that the seized drugs had expiration dates ranging from 2001 to 2023.
- He warned the public against purchasing medications from unregulated roadside vendors, stressing the health risks posed by expired or counterfeit drugs.
Similarly, Mr. Nasir Bungudu, Deputy Commander of Narcotics at NDLEA, commended the inter-agency cooperation and pledged ongoing collaboration to combat drug trafficking and related crimes.
Comptroller Shu’aibu issued a stern warning to smugglers to cease illegal activities or face stringent penalties. He also lauded the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi for reinforcing border security measures across the region.