The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has announced the interception of smuggled goods worth N8 billion, including 11,700 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), in July 2024. The seizures were made during intensified anti-smuggling operations in the region.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Ikeja over the weekend, Customs Area Controller (CAC) Compt. Kola Oladeji revealed that 14 suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal activities.
Detailing the items seized, Oladeji noted that the unit intercepted 6,168 pieces of donkey skin weighing 29,606 kg, 37,630 sachets of 250mg Tramadol, 11,820 new machetes, 4,740 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and 978 kg of Cannabis sativa. Additionally, 1,145 cartons of poultry products, 15 imported vehicles, and 257 bales of used clothing were also confiscated.
“I can boldly say that the smugglers’ desperation is being met with our unwavering resistance, leading to these significant seizures and arrests. We will remain relentless and uncompromising in our efforts,” Oladeji asserted.
He emphasized that smuggling activities undermine national security, economic development, and the social well-being of citizens. He also highlighted the persistent attempts by smugglers to evade duties and import prohibited items.
“In July 2024 alone, our reinvigorated anti-smuggling drive led to the arrest of 14 male suspects and 70 seizures with a Total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N8.09 billion,” Oladeji reported.
In addition to the seizures, the unit recovered N133.69 million from importers who had under-declared their cargoes at seaports in the Western zone. The funds were generated through documentary checks and the issuance of Demand Notices (DN) on short-paid consignments.
Oladeji further disclosed that smugglers are now using new tactics to bring drugs into the country from neighboring Benin Republic. “Based on credible intelligence, we intercepted 35,630 sachets of Tramadol and Cannabis sativa along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway,” he said, adding that the suspects involved will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.
He also mentioned that the intercepted 11,700 litres of PMS were disposed of through open auctions due to the product’s volatility, with proceeds paid into the Federation Account.
“We are committed to ensuring that these smugglers have us to contend with as they attempt to undermine the Federal Government’s efforts to make PMS available to Nigerians,” Oladeji concluded.
