NCS Seizes N3.24bn Smuggled Goods in Zone A

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 220 consignments of prohibited and smuggled goods valued at N3.24 billion.

The Customs Area Controller of Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, said the seizures were made during operations targeting smuggling, revenue evasion and customs fraud. The Unit also recovered N728.98 million in revenue.

The seized goods included 4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, equivalent to eight trailer loads, as well as 12 foreign-used vehicles.

Customs officers also intercepted 2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing 1,439.9kg, 49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud weighing 26.1kg, one parcel of crystal methamphetamine, 13 parcels of granular cannabis and 240,000 Tramadol tablets.

Other seizures included 12,000 Hypnox tablets, 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg, 24,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, foreign vegetable oil, 686 cartons of foreign poultry products, 414 bales of used clothing and 2,947 used tyres.

Aliyu said the NCS seizure operations would help protect domestic industries, support food security and safeguard government revenue.

He urged importers, exporters and licensed customs agents to make accurate declarations and comply fully with customs laws.

“The Unit would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while taking decisive action against individuals and businesses engaged in smuggling and revenue evasion.”

The Customs chief said the interception of illicit drugs and unregulated pharmaceutical products would help protect public health, particularly among young Nigerians. He added that the recovery of elephant tusks supported efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.

Aliyu attributed the NCS seizure operations to improved intelligence gathering, risk profiling, inter-agency cooperation and public support. He assured compliant traders of a fair and transparent trading environment while warning that the Service would maintain its zero-tolerance approach to smuggling and revenue fraud.

The NCS seizure operations also reflect the agency’s wider efforts to protect borders, support legitimate trade and strengthen Nigeria’s economy.

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