By Oyeniyi Iwakun
As a result of intensified operational modalities in combating renewed smuggling tactics, the Federal Operating Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted various contrabands with a duty paid value (DPV) of One billion, six hundred and eighteen million, one hundred and seventy seven thousand, six hundred and sixty one naira, fifty kobo (N1,618,177,661.50) in January, 2018.
While showcasing the seizures on Tuesday, 6th February, 2017, the unit Controller, Comptroller Muhammed Garba said some of the seized vehicles were intercepted along Ijebu-Ode expressway; while others were evacuated at various raid in Parkview estate; Victoria Island; Banana Island; Alhaji Bankole Cresent Ikeja; and Tola Adewumi Street Maryland, Lagos.
The seizures include: 31 assorted vehicles; 8,400 bags of foreign parboiled rice; 1,652 cartons of frozen poultry products; 835 jerrycans of vegetable oil; 10 sacks bag of Indian Hemp, 2,208 of used tyres, 159 bales of used clothing; two containers carrying 537 cartons of Whisky against yeast declared in SGD, and 60 pieces of used Chest freezers and 570 bundles of gas hose as against condenser for steam polysilicon among others.
While warning smugglers to desist from any act of illegal and illegitimate trade, Comptroller Garba said if the intercepted vehicles owners fail to come forward with valid customs clearance documents, they will be liable for seizures and subsequent forfeiture to federal government in line with the laws.
He said “for the avoidance of doubt, our action is in-line with laws of the provisions of sections 147 of Customs and Exercise Management Act (CEMA) Cap 45, Section 158 of CEMA, Cap 45 Laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004. ”
The Comptroller thanked the press for their support even as he urged them to continue to inform, educate and sensitize the public on the dangers of smuggling on the nation’s economy.
Among the intercepted vehicles are: 4 Rolls Royce, 1 Porche Panamera, 1 Jaguar, 1 Bentley, 2 Lexus Jeep, 2 G wagon, 1 Toyota Land Cruiser, 5 Toyota Corolla, 7 Mercedes Benz and others.
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