Customs Intercepts Contraband Goods Worth N745m, Arrest 7 Suspects

The Federal Operations Unit Zone “C” of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)   under the leadership of Controller Michael  Ugbagu has intercepted contraband goods worth N745.07 million between April 19th to June 12th, 2024.

Also, seven suspects were arrested in connection to these detentions/seizures.

According to  him, after reviewing and re-jigging their operational modalities based on the approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the unit lived up to its responsibility by intercepting various contrabands with a duty paid value (DPV) of N722.9 million

Similarly, based on the intervention of the unit,  they recovered the sum of N22.13 million from demand notices raised based on some infractions discovered, making a cumulative sum of N745,07 million within the seven  weeks under review.

“The DPV was derived from our detained and seized goods which include: 21 cartons of various unregistered/ controlled medicaments including 14 cartons of Rohypnol Flunitrazepam containing 2,800 packs, 325 jumbo bales of second hand clothing, 49 Parcels of cannabis sativa popularly known as Indian hemp weighing 49kg, 42 pieces of used pneumatic tyres and 13 Logs of rough unprocessed wood.

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“While the 21 cartons of various unregistered/ controlled medicaments were intercepted along Benin-Okada Expressway, a 1x40ft container number: MAEU 180144945G1 carrying 300 bales was intercepted along Umcikaa/Aba Road.

“While the 49 parcels of Indian hemp were intercepted at Benin/Asaba Expressway, the 13 logs of wood Along Port Harcourt International Airport Road. All the intercepted items above were based on credible intelligence.

“These seizures underscore the determination of the Service to enforce all laws, relating to the importation and exportation of goods into and out of Nigeria thereby contributing to the economy, security, and well being of the Country.

“The interception of these items and other previously related seizures further justify why you see our field operatives on surveillance patrol along our highways within our areas of jurisdiction as empowered by sections 226, and 227 of Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 which allows Customs officer to patrol freely, and investigate offences respectively. “

The comptroller called for serenity and cooperation of all our stakeholders and the general public to kindly and humbly comply when stopped for search and show mutual maximum respect to  field officers and the Service in general.

Customs  promised to always act professionally while performing their statutory responsibilities based on the approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) with a touch of a human face especially as they approach the festive period of Sallah celebration.

Comptroller Ugbagu attributed this sterling feat to the leadership style of the comptroller general of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts in recognizing commitment, dedication, and hard work. Without the Management incentives and necessary logistics support, we won’t have attained this feat within this short period and we hope to achieve more.

“To my dear colleagues, Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police, I must commend your prompt intelligence sharing, resilience and doggedness that brought about this enormous stride. “

The Comptroller said that the fight against smuggling can only be won if all hands are on deck.

“Let me use this special privilege to call on you the members of the fourth estate of the realm to join the Nigeria Customs Service in the advocacy campaign against the peril of smuggling to the Nation’s Economy, and to all well-meaning Nigerians to support the service with information that could assist the Service to perform their statutory responsibilities in the interest of our fatherland.”

Comptroller Ugbagu equally used the opportunity to warn all economic saboteurs who will use this festive period for their nefarious acts to desist from such illegal business as the unit has devised other tactical strategies that will chase them out of such illegalities.

The Customs  boss highlighted that no amount of distraction will stop them from carrying out their statutory responsibilities.