Customs Seizes ₦8 Billion Worth of Smuggled Goods in Lagos

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Friday that it intercepted contraband goods valued at ₦8 billion in July 2024.

During a press briefing held in Ikeja, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the unit, Compt. Kola Oladeji, disclosed that 14 suspects were arrested in connection with the seized items.

The seized goods include 6,168 pieces of donkey skin weighing 29,606 kg, 37,630 sachets of Tramadol (250mg), 11,820 new machetes, 4,740 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and 978 kg of Cannabis sativa.

Additionally, the Customs seized 1,145 cartons of poultry products, 15 imported vehicles, 257 bales of used clothing, and 11,700 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

“I can boldly say that the smugglers’ desperation is being confronted with our resistance, causing us to seize their wares and arrest the suspects. On this, we shall remain unrelenting and uncompromising,” Oladeji asserted.

He emphasized that smuggling activities undermine national security, economic progress, and the social well-being of all citizens. He noted that smugglers often attempt to evade duty payments and bypass the law by importing or exporting prohibited items.

“In the month of July 2024, our reinvigorated anti-smuggling drive had resulted in the arrest of 14 male suspects. Within the period under review, we made 70 seizures worth a Total Duty Paid Value of ₦8.09 billion,” Oladeji stated.

The CAC also revealed that the unit recovered ₦133.69 million from importers who under-declared their cargo at seaports in the Western zone.

He added that the unit uncovered a new method used by smugglers to bring drugs into the country from neighboring Benin Republic.

“On revenue recovery, for the month of July 2024, the sum of ₦133.6 million was generated through documentary checks and issuance of Demand Notices (DN) on consignments that were found to have been short-paid. The entire amount had been paid into the Federation account accordingly,” Oladeji reported.

He noted that some smugglers are determined to take Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) out of the country for selfish gains despite the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure its availability in Nigeria.

The seized 11,700 liters of PMS were disposed of through open auction due to the product’s volatility, with proceeds paid into the Federation account.

Oladeji further explained that smugglers are now using smaller vehicles to distribute prohibited drugs.

“Based on the credible intelligence, we are able to intercept 35,630 sachets of Tramadol along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. Also, the Cannabis sativa (Indian Hemp) was intercepted along the same Expressway,” he said.

The suspects arrested in connection with the drug seizures will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action in line with existing regulations and in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration.

Oladeji also disclosed that revenue generated by the command in July 2024 increased by 245% compared to July 2023.

“Comparing the month of July, 2023 with July, 2024, the revenue generated increased by ₦96.08million at 245% increase. Our interceptions rose from 50 seizures in July, 2023 to 70 seizures in July, 2024 with a DPV difference of ₦7.63billon at 1,750% increase,” Oladeji added.

As the year 2024 draws to a close, he urged Nigerians to avoid smuggling and resist the temptation of engaging in illegal activities for financial gain.

“We are calling on all stakeholders like traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, youth leaders and organised business groups to sensitise their members against smuggling.

“We also implore traders and customs clearing agents to be making honest declarations and ensure that duty payment are made, so as to avoid consequences of alternative actions,” he warned.