The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Ikeja-Lagos, has intercepted 220 consignments of prohibited and smuggled goods with a combined Duty Paid Value of N3.24 billion.
The Unit also recovered N728.98 million in government revenue from intelligence-driven operations targeting smuggling, under-declaration, false declarations and other customs-related offences.
Among the seized items were 4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to eight trailer loads, 12 foreign-used vehicles, and large quantities of illicit drugs.
The seizures included 2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing 1,439.9kg, 49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud weighing 26.1kg, one parcel of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg and 13 parcels of granular cannabis weighing 1.35kg.
Customs officers also intercepted 240,000 tablets of Tramadol, 12,000 tablets of Hypnox, 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg, as well as 964 25-litre jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, amounting to 24,100 litres.
Other seized commodities comprised 26 cartons of foreign vegetable oil, 686 cartons of foreign poultry products, 414 bales of used clothing and 2,947 pieces of used tyres.
The Comptroller of FOU ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, said the seizures demonstrated the Unit’s determination to protect Nigeria’s economy and prevent revenue leakages arising from customs fraud.
Aliyu urged importers, exporters and licensed customs agents to ensure accurate declarations and strict compliance with customs laws and regulations.
He warned that while the Service remained committed to facilitating legitimate trade, it would not allow smugglers and fraudulent businesses to exploit the trading environment.
According to him, the interception of prohibited food products and other commodities would protect local industries and encourage domestic production, while the seizure of illicit drugs would help curb substances that pose a threat to public health.
The Comptroller also highlighted the recovery of elephant tusks as evidence of the Service’s contribution to the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.
He attributed the latest successes to improved intelligence gathering, risk profiling, intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and information from members of the public.
Aliyu assured compliant traders of a fair and transparent trading environment, but warned that FOU ‘A’ would sustain its zero-tolerance policy towards smuggling, customs fraud and revenue evasion.
He called for stronger collaboration among the Customs Service, business community, border communities and the public to secure Nigeria’s borders, protect legitimate businesses and boost government revenue.
