In a major crackdown to end smuggling and boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through its Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has seized contraband goods valued at over N18 billion between January 1st 2024 till date from smugglers operating in the southwest states of the country.
Aside from that, the zone apprehended 94 smugglers from the region particularly through its “Operation Swift Sting”, with atleast six illegal cross border traders already convicted by courts for various offences across the region in the country.
The Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Kola Oladeji, who revealed this while addressing journalists on Monday, said that the record was achieved through the duty paid value from January to date.
A breakdown of the seized items showed that 48,912 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each, 191,975 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 7,861 kg of Cannabis sativa, 6,168 pieces of dry donkey skins, 37,630 sachets of Tramadol.
Other items seized within the period under review include 207 units of Motor Vehicles, 6,755 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products, 1,433 bales of used clothes, and 1,773 units of used refrigerator compressors. and, 317 cartons of illicit medicament.
While reeling out the zone’s achievement, Oladeji disclosed that the service newly inaugurated “Operation Swift Sting” has recorded remarkable success in the fight against illicit cross border trade with impressive smuggling with impressive arrests in just two weeks.
“These achievements underscore our determination to protect the Nation’s economy and security against illicit Cross Border Trade and movement around our Borders,” the comptroller added.
In addition to the seizures, Oladeji disclosed that the zone generated over N1 billion into the coffers of the Federal Government through documentary checks and issuance of Demand Notices to consignments that were found to have underpaid Customs Duty.
“This also underscores the importance of careful monitoring and intelligence at preventing smuggling and ensuring that all imports are properly declared and taxed,” he added.
According to him, smuggling operations that employ ingenious concealment methods could have a significant impact on the nation’s economy and security if not checked with modern intelligence tools.
Meanwhile, Oladeji reiterated Customs’ zero-tolerance stance against smuggling, while assuring that the Service would bring perpetrators to justice and also ensure deterrence from illicit trade.
“In the course of fighting the menace of smuggling, we also raised awareness about its dangers and the importance of complying with customs regulations. We remain resolute in protecting the nation’s economy, security, and health through coordinated synergy with relevant stakeholders”.
