SMUGGLING SYNDICATES SLAMMED! Apapa Customs Seizes 7 Containers Worth N292 Million in Brazen Raid, Exposes Massive Illegal Importation Racket”
By Aluta News
July 19, 2024
Lagos, Nigeria – In a daring operation, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dealt a significant blow to smuggling syndicates, intercepting seven containers worth a staggering N292 million. The seized containers, concealed at Apapa Port, violated the import prohibition list and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
The contraband haul includes:
– 12,000 pieces of cutlass and machete
– 4,129 packages of frozen hen
– 368 jumbo bales of used second-hand clothing
– Expired pharmaceutical products
Customs Area Controller BO Olomu vowed to maintain strict enforcement, saying, “We will continue to ensure that all consignments undergo proper examination, and we will not compromise on enforcing our laws against false declaration, concealment, under declaration, and under valuation.”
This high-profile bust sends a strong message to smugglers, and the NCS is working closely with agencies like NAFDAC to ensure compliance. The seized items will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and regulatory action.
The Customs Area Controller, BO Olomu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to balancing trade facilitation with strict enforcement. “We will continue to ensure that all consignments undergo proper examination, and we will not compromise on enforcing our laws against false declaration, concealment, under declaration, and under valuation,” he emphasized.
The command is working closely with sister regulatory agencies like NAFDAC to ensure compliance with food and drug regulations and strict implementation of the end-user certificate rules.
This seizure sends a strong message to would-be smugglers: the Apapa Command is vigilant, and we will not tolerate any attempts to circumvent our laws. We urge all stakeholders to comply with our regulations and support our efforts to protect our nation’s economy and citizens.”