Joy Anyim
The Comptroller General of Customs Strike Force, Team ‘A’, said it has made 103 seizures between October and November, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV), of over N7.8Billion.
According to the Coordinator of the Team, DC Ahmadu Shuaibu, most of the seizures were in contravention of Federal Government policies on export prohibition while some were contrary to import guidelines.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Shuaibu said the seizures included containers of wood, charcoal, raw hides and skin, second hand clothing, amongst others.
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He further stated that seven suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and they had been granted bail.
His words: “For the months of October and November 2021, our combination of intelligence, diligent enforcement and zero compromise disposition resulted in a total of 103 seizures with total duty paid value of N7,851,656,053.
“Some of the seizures were direct attempt at evading payment of duty to government. Our operatives will not look the other way for these forms of illegal activities to thrive.
“We have here as part of the seizures, 61 containers of wood with DPV of N6,874,173,101, Also seized is 36 containers of charcoal with DPV N381,916,500.
“There is also 1,110 pieces of raw hides and skin in 185 sacks with a DPV of N61,188,750. Here is also a 1×20 ft container of batteries with DPV of N19,163,052.
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“Among the seizures is also 4x40ft containers of second hand clothing with DPV of N566,700,000.We also seized a 1x20ft container of tomato paste in 1,912 cartons, worth N9,703,400.”
While noting that operatives of the Strike Force Team are aware of smugglers desperation to carry out their illegal activities always, especially as the yuletide approaches, he warned that no matter how smart smugglers rate themselves, the Team will always be steps ahead of them.
“We will always uncover their antics, seize their wares and arrest them for prosecution. We advise them in their own interest to desist from these unlawful activities and embrace only legitimate trade. The more they violate the laws, the more they have us to contend with
“We will continue to justify the confidence reposed on us by the Comptroller General of Customs who has given us this task of protecting the economic life of our country and well being of the people,” he stated.