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By Kenneth Jukpor
Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) recorded a seizure of 46.55 kg of cocaine concealed on vessels MV KARTERIA and CHAYANEE NAREE with a street value of N13.2 billion was also recorded on two different occasions in November at Apapa Command.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Yusuf Malanta revealed this via a press release issued yesterday, indicating that thirteen (13) containers with at duty paid value of 285 million were seized in November.
According to the report, the Command’s seizure record between January-November 2021 stood at ninety-seven (97) containers with a total duty paid value of N17.5 billion.
Notable among the seized items are hard substance like Captagon pills, Cocaine, Tramadol, Codeine syrup, Foreign par boiled rice, Tomato paste, Used clothings, etc. These were seizures made based on clear contravention of sections 46, 47 and 161 of CEMA (Customs and Excise Management Act) Cap C45 LFN 2004.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we would like to reiterate here that we will not compromise proper examination on the altar of trade facilitation, and we will also not relent on sharing intelligence to alert the system on false declaration even after examination or release of falsely declared cargo. Concealments will always be unveiled through the use of forensic manifest management system and synergy with other sister agencies in the port,” the Customs boss said.
While appreciating our stakeholders and compliant traders for keeping to the rules of engagement on import and export procedures by adhering to the dictates of import/export guidelines, Malanta warned would perpetrators of illegalities that Customs officers are always vigilant to uncover any form of unlawful trade.
He encouraged the trading public to make sincere declarations, pay accurate duty and get required permits to avoid losing their investments and facing prosecution.
On the revenue aspect, the Apapa Area Command has collected a record breaking revenue figure of N89.7 billion in November 2021 which is the highest monthly collection by any command of the Service and the command’s revenue profile between January and November 2021 stood at N784.8 billion.
“This remarkable feat is a result of improved inter agency synergies, enhanced trade facilitation, speedy dispute resolution and prevention of revenue leakages. Finally, the command remains resolute on contributing to the actualisation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) agenda in the area of increase in revenue collection and non compromise for smuggling,” Malanta said.
