Customs seizes over 48,000 bags of smuggled rice, intercepts goods worth N18.71b

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, has reported the seizure of 48,912 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice between January and December 2024.

The seized rice is equivalent to 82 trucks, according to Compt. Kola Oladeji, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), who addressed journalists in a press briefing on Tuesday.

In addition to the rice, the unit intercepted a total of 707 different items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N18.71 billion. Among the confiscated items were 191,975 litres of petrol, 7,861 kg of Cannabis sativa, 6,168 pieces of dry donkey skins, 37,630 sachets of Tramadol, and 207 vehicles.

Some of the vehicles had been arrested for short payment of duty and were later cleared after settling the outstanding payments.

Other notable seizures included 6,755 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products, 1,433 bales of used clothes, 1,773 units of used refrigerator compressors, and 317 cartons of illicit drugs.

“These achievements underscore our determination to protect the nation’s economy and security against illicit cross-border trade and movement around our borders,” he stated.

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Oladeji noted that the recently launched Operation Swift Sting has delivered remarkable results within just two weeks, with the seizure of cannabis sativa, 4,010 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and significant quantities of PMS.

“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,” he said.

Additionally, the Unit recovered N1.012 billion in revenue through documentary checks and the issuance of Demand Notices to address the underpayment of duties.

Oladeji emphasised the importance of intelligence-driven operations in preventing smuggling.

“Smuggling operations that employ ingenious concealment methods could have significant impact on the Nation’s economy and security if not checked with modern intelligence tools.

Hence, the Service is calling on all citizens to support its anti-smuggling efforts by providing useful and timely information on illicit Cross Border Trade.

“In the course of fighting the menace of smuggling, we also raised awareness about its dangers and the importance of complying with Customs regulations. We remain resolute in protecting the nation’s economy, security and health through coordinated synergy with relevant stakeholders.”He commended the cooperation and support of all security agencies, the media and other stakeholders, as well as the general public in providing timely information support and advice.

“In the same vein, I extend my deepest appreciation to our gallant officers for their unwavering commitment and service to our dear Nation. Your unrelenting efforts at preventing the importation of prohibited and harmful products, dedication to protecting our Nation’s economy and security do not go unnoticed,” Oladeji added.

He also called on citizens to further support the Customs Service by providing timely information on illicit cross-border trade.

“The Service is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of smuggling and the importance of compliance with Customs regulations,” he added.