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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, has intercepted smuggled and prohibited goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.24 billion and recovered N728.98 million in lost revenue.
The seizures, involving 220 consignments, were recorded through intelligence-led operations targeting suspicious declarations, smuggling networks and customs revenue fraud.
Among the items intercepted were 4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, equivalent to eight trailer loads; 12 foreign-used vehicles; 2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing 1,439.9kg; 49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud weighing 26.1kg; and one parcel of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg.
The Unit also seized 13 parcels of granular cannabis, 240,000 tablets of Tramadol, 12,000 tablets of Hypnox, 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg, 24,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 26 cartons of foreign vegetable oil, 686 cartons of foreign poultry products, 414 bales of used clothing and 2,947 used tyres.
Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, said the N728.98 million revenue recovery reflected the Unit’s determination to tackle under-declaration, false declarations and other forms of customs fraud.
Aliyu urged importers, exporters and licensed customs agents to make accurate declarations and comply fully with customs laws and regulations, warning that the Unit would continue to take decisive action against smuggling and revenue evasion.
He said the seizure of prohibited agricultural products, vehicles and other goods would help protect domestic industries, support food security and safeguard legitimate government revenue.
The interception of illicit drugs and controlled substances, he added, would also help protect public health, particularly among young Nigerians, while the recovery of elephant tusks supports efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.
Aliyu disclosed that the enforcement drive was being pursued alongside trade facilitation, stressing that compliant businesses would continue to receive the Service’s support.
He attributed the Unit’s operational successes to enhanced intelligence gathering, risk profiling, inter-agency collaboration, intelligence fusion and information supplied by stakeholders and members of the public.
The Comptroller reaffirmed FOU ‘A’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling, revenue fraud and other forms of economic sabotage, while calling for sustained cooperation from the business community, border communities and the public.
He said collective vigilance and compliance remained critical to strengthening revenue mobilisation, border security, public safety and Nigeria’s economic development.SEO focus keyword: Nigeria Customs FOU A smuggling seizures.
