Customs Intercepts N18.71bn Worth of Foreign Rice, Other Contraband in Lagos
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has announced the seizure of contraband goods valued at N18.71 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) over the course of 2024.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the unit, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, revealed that the seized items included 48,912 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 82 truckloads, smuggled into the country between January and December.
Seizures and Revenue Recovery
In addition to rice, the unit intercepted 707 different items, which include:
- 191,975 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
- 7,861kg of Cannabis sativa
- 6,168 pieces of dry donkey skins
- 37,630 sachets of Tramadol
- 207 vehicles, some cleared after payment of outstanding duties
- 6,755 cartons of frozen poultry products
- 1,433 bales of used clothes
- 1,773 used refrigerator compressors
- 317 cartons of illicit drugs
The unit also arrested 94 suspects, six of whom have been convicted for various offenses.
Oladeji further stated that N1.012 billion was recovered through documentary checks and the issuance of Demand Notices to address duty underpayments.
Operation Swift Sting
The recently launched Operation Swift Sting has yielded notable successes, with significant seizures made within two weeks. These included 4,010 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, large quantities of PMS, and Cannabis sativa.
“It is clear that Operation Swift Sting is delivering unbearable heat to the smuggling cartels while ensuring the facilitation of compliant trade with impressive outcomes,” Oladeji said.
Combating Smuggling
The CAC emphasized the importance of intelligence-driven operations in curbing smuggling activities, noting that sophisticated concealment methods pose significant risks to Nigeria’s economy and security.
“Our achievements underscore our determination to protect the nation’s economy and security against illicit cross-border trade,” Oladeji stated.
He also highlighted the dangers of smuggling, urging citizens to support anti-smuggling efforts by providing timely information.
“In the course of fighting the menace of smuggling, we also raised awareness about its dangers and the importance of complying with Customs regulations,” he added.
Acknowledgements
Oladeji commended the cooperation of other security agencies, the media, and stakeholders in aiding the Customs’ operations. He also lauded the dedication of officers in preventing the importation of harmful and prohibited items.
“To our gallant officers, your unwavering commitment to protecting our nation’s economy and security does not go unnoticed,” he remarked.
The CAC called for continued public support in reporting illicit trade and reiterated the Service’s commitment to raising awareness about the economic, health, and security implications of smuggling.
