The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in November 2021 confiscating 13 containers of contrabands with duty paid value of N285 million.
The Command ALSO SEIZED 46.55 kg of cocaine concealed aboard vessels MV KARTERIA and CHAYANEE NAREE with a street value of N13.2 billion on two different instances.
According to a report, Between January and November, the Command confiscated 97 containers with a total duty paid value of N17.5 billion. The seized items include hard substances like Captagon pills, Cocaine, Tramadol, Codeine syrup, foreign par boiled rice, Tomato paste and used clothing.
The report noted that the seizures were made following clear contravention of sections 46, 47 and 161 of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN of 2004.
The Apapa Customs Area Controller, Yusuf Malanta, who disclosed this to journalist in Lagos, said the Service will not lower its standard on proper examination of imports. “The NCS has zero tolerance for contrabands and will not in any form compromise on proper examination on the altar of trade facilitation.”
“We will also not relent on sharing intelligence to alert the system on false declaration even after examination or release of falsely declared cargo. Concealments will always be unveiled through the use of forensic manifest management system and synergy with other sister agencies in the port,” he emphasized.
While appreciating stakeholders and compliant traders for keeping to the rules of engagement on import and export procedures by adhering to the dictates of import/export guidelines, he warned perpetrators of illegalities that his vigilant officers will go the extra mile to uncover any form of unlawful trade.
Malanta urged the trading public to make sincere declarations, pay accurate duty and get required permits to avoid prosecution and losing their investments.\
Recall that in the month of November, the Apapa Area Command announced a record-breaking revenue figure of N89.7 billion, the highest monthly collection ever by any command of the Customs.
Apapa Command’s revenue profile for January to November 2021 stood at N784.8 billion, a feat that that the command attributed to improved inter agency synergies, enhanced trade facilitation, speedy dispute resolution and prevention of revenue leakages.
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