The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Friday said its officers seized 6,168 pieces of donkey skin (with total dry weight at 29,606 kg); 37,630 sachets of Tramadol of 250 mg; 11,820 pieces of new machetes; 4,740 bags of foreign parboiled rice; and 978 kg of Cannabis sativa, amongst others, across Ogun and Oyo States, worth N8.1bn in the month of July 2024.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos, Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone A, Kola Oladeji, explained that 14 male suspects were arrested aside from the seizures.
According to Controller Oladeji, “As we approach the last quarter of 2024, which is popularly known as Ember months, our intelligence and the past behavioural patterns of smugglers indicate the possibility of more desperation to smuggle.
Because of this, we are taking more proactive measures by confronting them with increased vigour in line with the directives of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“I can boldly say that the smugglers’ desperation is being confronted with our resistance, causing us to seize their wares and arrest the suspects. On this, we shall remain unrelenting and uncompromising.
“We are not unaware of smugglers’ antics to evade duty payments and sometimes attempt to circumvent the law by bringing items that fall under import and export prohibition.
“In the month of July 2024, our reinvigorated anti-smuggling drive had resulted in the arrest of 14 male suspects. Within the period under review, we made 70 seizures worth a Total Duty Paid value of N8,098,001,199.
“A breakdown of the seizures is as follows: 6,168 pieces of donkey skin (with total dry weight at 29,606 kg); 37,630 sachets of Tramadol of 250 mg; 11,820 pieces of new machetes; 4,740 bags of foreign parboiled rice; 978 kg of Cannabis sativa; 1,145 cartons of poultry products; 15 units of imported vehicles; 257 bales of used clothes; and 11,700 litres of Premium Motor Spirit
“On revenue recovery, for July 2024, the sum of N133,696,223.98 was generated through documentary checks and issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have been short-paid. The entire amount had been paid into the Federation account accordingly.
“Comparing the month of July 2023 with July 2024, the revenue generated increased by N96,087,133.79 at 245% increase. Our interceptions rose from 50 seizures in July 2023 to 70 seizures in July 2024, with a DPV difference of N7,635,292,324 at a 1,750% increase.
“While the Federal Government is committed to ensuring the availability of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as Petrol, to Nigerians, some smugglers are bent on taking the products to other countries for their selfish gains. For the avoidance of doubt, this category of smugglers has us to contend with.
“We have disposed of the 11,700 litres of PMS through open auctions due to the volatility of the product after approval from our headquarters. The proceeds realised from the auctions had been paid into the Federation Account accordingly.
“Our Unit has uncovered a new method of distribution of these prohibited drugs. The smugglers are now using smaller vehicles for the distribution. Based on credible intelligence, we are able to intercept 35,630 sachets of Tramadol along the Lagos/Ibadan expressway. Also, the Cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) was intercepted along the same expressway.
“For the seizure of Tramadol and Cannabis sativa, we are going to hand them over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action in line with existing regulations and in the spirit of interagency collaboration.
“We, at this juncture, appreciate our Stakeholders and professional associations such as ANACA, NAGAFF, and Electronic and Print Media for their cooperation and support. Finally, we are grateful to the Customs Management under the able leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the continued guidance and provision of necessary logistics in achieving the progress recorded.
“As we are approaching the close of 2024, I want to once again urge Nigerians to shun smuggling and avoid being lured into crimes because of their inordinate quest for wealth. We are calling on all stakeholders like Traditional Rulers, Faith-based organisations, Youth leaders and organised business groups to sensitise their members against smuggling. We also implore traders and customs clearing agents to make honest declarations and ensure that duty payments are made so as to avoid the consequences of alternative actions.”
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