ZAINAB JUNAID

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, has arrested 10 Suspects in connection with some seizures worth a total duty paid value of N854,156,712.

Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Compt Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu disclosed this on Tuesday February 6, 2024 while briefing journalists on seizures made in the month of January.

Comptroller Ejibunu added that about 3,653 X 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 6.5 trailer loads), 23,025 litres of PMS, 241 bales of used clothes were among goods seized.

He highlighted other goods seized to include- 1,490 kg of Indian Hemp, 1,220 cartons of foreign tomato paste, 983 pieces of used tyres, 104 units of motorcycles, 556 cartons of slippers, and 11 units of used vehicles.

Commenting on the seizures made, the Area Controller emphasized that Smuggling is a crime that involves the act of false declaration and concealment of goods, the use of unapproved routes and ports for the exportation or importation of goods, forging of Customs documents, willful under-payment of Customs duties, and trafficking in prohibited or restricted goods, among others.

He went further that, the impact of smuggling has serious repercussions on the economy, the environment, health, and security. “Thus, to restrain this trend of illegal commercial activities, there is a need for collaboration and strong partnership with other critical stakeholders through sharing of information and intelligence.

“In a continuous and renewed vigour to fight smuggling, we activated an enhanced intelligence gathering and information sharing mechanism, and were able to identify some new smuggling hot spots and schemes employed by smugglers.

“This strategy yielded 60 seizures worth a total duty paid value of N854,156,712. The following major seizures were recorded within January 2024.

“The status of these goods was found to have contravened different sections of the Customs Act (2023), while some were expired at the time of importation; others flaunted the import statutory guidelines. A total of ten suspects were arrested in connection with some of the goods.

“A total of ten suspects were arrested in connection with some of the goods.

However, the Comptroller noted that on revenue recovery, the sum of N83,141,803.60 was generated through documentary checks and issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have been short-paid.

“The general public is encouraged to be aware of the consequences of smuggling and its harmful effects; because it is this awareness that would help to reduce the demand for smuggled goods and discourage individuals from participating in smuggling activities.

“Having established the fact that smuggling is a crime which affects the general wellbeing of the nation; it becomes compelling for all patriotic citizens to join the enforcement and regulatory agencies to curb the menace of smuggling” he said

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