Sophia Michaels
In August, the Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, reported intercepting 6,911 bags of foreign rice, each weighing 50kg, which is equivalent to the cargo of 11 trailer loads of rice. Additionally, they seized 13 used vehicles and other items with a total estimated value of N813 million.
Addressing journalists in Ikeja on Tuesday, the unit’s acting Area Comptroller, Hussein Ejibunu, disclosed that a total of 91 seizures were recorded within the period and 12 suspects were arrested in connection with some of the seizures.
He also said 394 cartons of codeine syrup were seized within the period.
He said, “91 seizures were recorded in August with 12 suspects arrested in connection with some of the seizures. It is worthy to note that apart from the cartons of codeine syrup we showcased during the last press briefing, additional cartons of the product were again intercepted making a total of 394 cartons seized within the period under review.
“Others include 6,911 bags of foreign rice, 50kg each equivalent to over 11 truck-loads, 345kg of Indian hemp, 486 cartons of frozen poultry products, 368 pieces of used tyres, 13 used vehicles, 32 cartons of expired batteries, one 40-foot container, one used Toyota Corolla, 49 pieces of car rims, 552 pieces of used car tyres, 205 pieces of used truck tyres, 32 pieces of motorcycle tyres, 292 bales of used clothes and 13,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.”
Ejibunu said during the period, N81m was recovered through documentary checks and issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have been short-paid.
He expressed worry that some Nigerians would pay all duties and levies payable to the Customs authorities of other countries they import from, while they evade such payments in Nigeria.
He said the unit would continue to partner with well-meaning citizens by soliciting timely and useful information to curb smuggling.
