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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operation Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja within two weeks impounded various contraband goods with Duty Paid Value(DPV) of N2,055,321,389.84.
Addressing Journalists on Wednesday in Lagos, head of the unit, Comptroller G. Uba Mohammed explained that the most notable of the siezures were a MAN Diesel Truck which was intercepted along Afromedia Estate by Egbeda Junction, beside Alaba International carrying 2,748 cartons of DSP Codeine Cough Syrup 100mg (100 per carton) and 95 Cartons of Chaka pain Xtra based on information.
“This is the second time in a row the unit is intercepting this substance since the Federal Government banned the importation of Cough Syrup that contains codeine. The substance is valued at N1,175,200,000.
“The driver of the truck on sighting our officers abandoned the truck and fled. Also, 49 cartons of tramadol capsules 100mg were evacuated from warehouse in Ajao Estate based on information. The drugs will be handed over to NAFDAC for further investigation.
“Similarly and more remarkably among the seizure was the evacuation of 21 sacks of pangolin scales weighing 1,031kg and 4 pieces of elephant tusk weighing 29.35kg from a shop located in Tejosho market in Victoria Island based on information by the Warehouse Operations team led by AC MutalibSule.
“The Occupant of the shop fled and still at large but investigation is already ongoing towards getting the culprit arrested and prosecuted. The seized endangered species have a DPV of Two Hundred and Fifty Three Million, Five Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand, Fifty Six Naira, Seven Kobo(253,566,056.7). You will recall that the Minister of State for Environment, MallamUsmanJibril accompanied by the CITES Delegates from UN visited the Unit, inspectedthe previous seizure of such endangered species this year and even commended us for a job well done. The trade on such endangered species is globally prohibited, hence the need for us all to fight against such illegality so that such endangered species do not go into extinction.
“Also within the weeks under review, the unit intercepted one Ford Transit Bus with Engine no. XL32452L along Olorunda axis of Ogun State based conveying 39 sacks and 1,220 parcels of Cannabis Sativa popularly known as Indian Hemp weighing 1, 610 kg concealed with baskets of Fresh Tomatoes, pepper and vegetables. In the spirit of interagency relationship, the seized substance will be handed over to NDLEA for further investigation. Other seized items include: 17 units of exotic vehicles, 1,380 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 1, 126 pieces of used shoes, and 140 jerrycan of vegetable oil
“Among the detained vehicles include 7 Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps (2015-2018), 4 Toyota Hiace Bus (2017), 2Toyota Coaster Bus (2017), and 4 Toyota Camry (2014).These 17 Exotic Vehicles have a duty paid value of Three Hundred and Forty Eight Million, Two Hundred and Ninety One Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty One Naira, Ninety Four kobo (N384,291,251.94) only. While 4 of the vehicles were intercepted along Ijebu Ode Expressway, 13 were evacuated from House Plot 1,Akintailor Close, Allen Avenue,Ikeja, based on credible information.8 Suspects were arrested in connection with these 25 seizures
“As partners in progress, let me thank you, members of the media for your continued support in your reportage of our anti-smuggling drives. I wish to also appreciate other security agencies that have been rendering necessary support especially the Nigerian Army and Police.
“Most importantly, we thank the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and his management for their logistics support that brought about all these feats during my tenure here as Controller FOU A and I prayed that this relationship is sustained even as I take a new mantle of leadership at Seme Area Command. I also employ you all to extend same hands of friendship to my successor here in FOU A for a successful tenure“.
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