Customs make seizures of goods with DPV of over N1.461bn

The Zonal Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, said the Zone has seized 64 units of exotic vehicles, bags of rice, cartons of frozen poultry products, Indian hemp and other items all with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N1.461 Billion.

The Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Uba, who made this known while briefing Journalists on the achievements of the Zone from March 19th to April 9th said 10 suspects were also arrested alongside the intercepted items.

Uba, also disclosed that in the month of March alone over N166 million was recovered from duty payments and demand notices on general goods from seaports, airport and border stations through wrong classification, transfer of value, and shortchange in duty payment meant for the coffer of Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to the Controller, the impounded vehicles included, 1 Toyota Land cruiser (2018), 1 Escalades Cardilac (2017), 1 Range Rover (2014), 3 Toyota Camry (2009,2010 and 2017 models), 1 Toyota Rav 4, 1 Toyota Highlander (2014), 1 Honda CRV, 1 Honda Accord, 1 BMW Salon, 1 Toyota Sienna, 1 Hyundai, among others.

He revealed that the interception of the vehicles was done while the operatives of the Zone were on information patrol at various locations within their areas of jurisdiction.

He said, ” the vehicles are still under detention pending the grace period allowed for the owners to bring relevant customs document.”

Speaking further on the seizures, Uba said: ” we also intercepted 6003 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 10 trailers), 963 cartons of frozen poultry products, 431 jerrycans of vegetable oil, 163 bales of used clothing, 569 pieces of used tyres, 69 bags of sugar, four containers, among others.

” Amazingly, among the seizures was the interception of 570 parcels and 98 sacks of Indian Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) weighing 1,550kg, along Olorunda axis of Ogun state based on intelligence making it the highest seizure of such hard drugs in the history of FOU A.

” You all know what would have happened if it got to the wrong hands undetected. In the spirit of interagency relationship, the seized Indian hemp will be handed over to NDLEA for further investigation.”

He also said, ” Worthy of note is the evacuation of 2,671 bags of 50kg rice using 9 hired truck from 9 makeshift storage houses in Ilogbo, Abeokuta.

” This was achievable based on credible intelligence despite resistance. The operation was carried out by the Lagos Roving Team complemented by other teams.”

He noted that although there were series of mob attack while carrying out their lawful duty, the operatives were able to manage the situation and avert a possible tragedy.

On the continued illegal importation of rice, the Controller said the Zone will continue to enforce the Federal Government policies banning the importation of rice and other prohibited goods through the land borders regardless of any situation.

This he said was to encourage efficiency in local rice production, which will create more employment opportunities for the youths.

On vehicles that had previously been intercepted, he said 64 of them have been converted to seizure after all necessary legal procedures were followed and was awaiting Court condemnation.

Making further revelations on the activities of the Zone, Uba said, “four containers 3x40ft and 1x20ft were seized for different Customs breaches in the importation process. The 1x20ft container no: CSNU 106087/4 carried 2,260 cartoons of Gonca Spagetti made in turkey and 530 package of Rifle Energy drinks made in Europe as against baking powder declared in the SGD.

” Further investigation revealed that the container was never existed, we are still investigating and all those found culpable will face the full wrath of the law. While 1x40ft container no: PCIU 865957/1 was seized for carrying 200 cartons of ladies shoes,134 cartons of children among other items as against keyboard and mouse declared in the SGD, 1x40ft container no: FCIU 80992/0 was seized for carrying 2300 cartons of tiffany chocolate,385 cartons of tiffany crunch n cream biscuit as against Tapet for fuel pump complete. These are clear cases of false declarations, liable to seizure and forfeiture”

He therefore warned smugglers and their accomplices to desist from such trade malpractices and invest their money in legitimate business, as the Zone has devised other operational modalities that will give them a run for their money and also be made to face the law.

He appreciated the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) and the entire Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service for their logistics support.

” I also appreciate sister agencies most especially the Nigerian Army and the Police for their supports, resilience and doggedness that brought about this feat. “