Anti-smuggling: Nigeria Customs seizes 13,678 bags of rice, poultry, vegetable oil,others (photos)

Within the months of October and November 2016, the Federal Operations Unit Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has recovered six hundred and eleven million, six hundred and seventy six thousand, nine hundred and thirty eight naira (N611, 676, 938). This amount was regained from economic saboteurs that attempted false declaration, transfer of value and short change of duty payment. Parboiled rice (13,678 bags), Frozen poultry products (12,007 cartons) and vegetable oil (668 jerry cans) were the top items on the seizure list and over 200 other items comprising of vehicles, and various merchandise.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ikeja, the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Comptroller Haruna Mamudu said since he assumed office in October 2016, he had reviewed and reflected operational modalities towards sustaining the statutory mandate of anti-smuggling operations so as to keep the flag flying.

The Comptroller revealed that intensified operations at various bonded terminals and warehouses to ensure compliance to extant laws have yielded results as 6 (six) warehouses in Lagos have been sealed since he assumed office.

Also, 77 suspects arrested in connection to the various contraventions have already been charged to court for prosecutions while 4 of the suspects have been convicted of the crimes. 

He advised economic saboteurs to desist from carrying out illegitimate businesses or attempt nefarious acts this yuletide season saying that Customs tactical strategies of blocking revenue leakages and anti-smuggling activities will make them count their lose.