The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat illicit imports and threats to national security.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizure of 16 containers loaded with contraband goods valued at over ₦10 billion.
The seized items include:
Drugs and Prohibited Medicaments: Seven containers of expired drugs and medicaments.
Food Items: Three containers of expired food items, notably margarine.
Banned Used Clothing: Three containers of banned used clothing.
Counterfeit Goods: A container with 305 cartons of counterfeit toothpaste infringing on a Nigerian company’s brand.
Firearms and Ammunition: Two fully operational rifles, a Smith & Wesson pistol, and ammunition.
Five suspects have been arrested, with three charged and remanded in prison pending trial, while two are on administrative bail awaiting court dates. The NCS believes the suspects operated as part of a coordinated criminal network.
The NCS has vowed to collaborate with NAFDAC, NDLEA, and international customs bodies to dismantle the syndicates behind the illicit trade.
The Comptroller-General declared, “We will not allow Nigeria to become a dumping ground for criminals who threaten our collective peace and security.”
The NCS’s crackdown on contraband is a significant step towards protecting the nation’s economy and security.
The agency’s determination to combat illicit trade and collaborate with relevant stakeholders will help to stem the tide of smuggling and protect legitimate businesses.
