Customs Marine confiscates narcotics, other prohibited cargoes worth over N350million
THE Western Marina Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, in Apapa- Lagos yesterday intercepted narcotic and other uncustoms good for various trade infractions valued at over N350million
Speaking to Newsmen in Lagos, Comptroller of the Unit, Controller Patrick Ntadi said that the seizures were as a result of targeted operations by officers of the Command which have resulted in the interception of various shipments of illegal and smuggled goods, which threaten the economic stability and social well-being of our nation
Ntadi also said It is no longer acceptable to treat security lapses with levity especially now that Nigeria is contending with multiple Security challenges.
He explained that seizure represents a significant blow to criminal networks involved in illicit trade and smuggling activities thereby reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protecting the nation’s borders and ensuring that lawful trade and commerce thrive within its economy
Some of the seized include foreign parboiled 2,017 bags of Rice, 481 loaves of Cannabis: a dangerous narcotic substance with serious social and health
implications, 72 bundled of Textiles and clothing: imported illegally to bypass taxes and duties, 7 bags of Sugar,4 locally constructed fibre boats and 5 locally constructed wooden boats.
These seizures, according to the Controller, had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N352,952million.
He said:”Our success is attributable to the motivation given to us from the
Controller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, enhanced intelligence gathering and improved collaboration with other security agencies like the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police and the Immigration Service. We also owe our success to the deployment of more patrol vessels along the coastlines and inland waterways.
“We remain vigilant and proactive, continually updating our strategies to
counter evolving smuggling tactics.
“I want to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any
suspicious activities related to smuggling or illegal trade in our waterways. Our collective efforts are essential in safeguarding our country’s economic integrity and social order.
‘I also commend the leadership of the Service who has been instrumental in supporting this fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command. This support has empowered the Command to achieve remarkable successes in ensuring that smugglers have no safe haven on our waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving
environment for legitimate trade.”
