The Nigerian Customs Service cracks down on smuggling, confiscating rice and other contraband valued at N18.71 billion.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, has announced the confiscation of 48,912 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice from January to December 2024.
According to Comptroller Kola Oladeji, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), this quantity is equivalent to 82 trucks, as he informed journalists during a press briefing on Tuesday.
In addition to the rice, the unit seized a total of 707 various items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N18.71 billion, including 191,975 litres of petrol, 7,861 kg of Cannabis sativa, 6,168 pieces of dry donkey skins, 37,630 sachets of Tramadol, and 207 vehicles.
Some vehicles were initially detained for underpayment of duties but were later released after the outstanding amounts were settled. Other significant seizures comprised 6,755 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products, 1,433 bales of used clothing, 1,773 units of used refrigerator compressors, and 317 cartons of illicit drugs.
Oladeji highlighted that these accomplishments reflect the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and security against illegal cross-border activities.
He also mentioned that the recently initiated Operation Swift Sting has yielded impressive results within just two weeks, resulting in the seizure of cannabis sativa, 4,010 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, and substantial quantities of petrol.
He asserted that Operation Swift Sting is intensifying pressure on smuggling networks while promoting compliant trade. Furthermore, the Unit recovered N1.012 billion in revenue through thorough documentary checks and the issuance of Demand Notices to rectify duty underpayments.
Oladeji underscored the critical role of intelligence-driven operations in curbing smuggling, warning that sophisticated concealment tactics could severely impact the nation’s economy and security if not effectively addressed.
Peoplesmind
