The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service have recorded a seizure of thirteen (13) containers with duty paid value of N285 million in November 2021.
The Command made a seizure of 46.55 kg of cocaine concealed on vessels MV KARTERIA and CHAYANEE NAREE with a street value of N13.2 billion which was recorded on two different occasions.
This seizure makes it a total of
ninety-seven (97) seizures between the period of January through November 2021 with duty paid value of N17.5 billion.
Speaking to news men at the Command on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Yusuf Malanta Ibrahim disclosed that some of the seizures made were based on clear contravention of sections 46, 47 and 161 of CEMA (Customs and Excise Management Act) Cap C45 LFN 2004.
Comptroller Malanta hinted that notable among the seized items are hard substance like Captagon pills, Cocaine, Tramadol, Codeine syrup, Foreign par boiled rice, Tomato paste, Used clothings among others.
According to the Command boss “We will not sacrifice proper examination on the altar of trade facilitation, and we will not relent on sharing intelligence to alert the system on false declaration even after examination or release of falsely declared item.
“Concealments will always be unveiled through the use of forensic manifest
management system and synergy with other sister agencies in the port.
“While appreciating our compliant traders for keeping to the rules of
engagement on import and export procedures by adhering to the dictates
of import/export guidelines, I would like to warn perpetrators of illegalities
that our officers are always vigilant to uncover any form of unlawful trade” Comptroller Yusuf said.
Resounding the commands resolved on cargo examination, Yusuf said ‘At this juncture, let me reiterate our resolve on meticulous examination of all cargoes coming in and out of Apapa port to curb the menace of illicit trade.
‘I once again want to urge importers of non prohibited items to make sincere declarations, pay accurate duty and get required permits to avoid losing their investments and facing prosecution” he said.
Speaking on revenue generation, he said that the Area Command has collected a record�breaking of N89.7 billion as revenue for November 2021 which is
the highest monthly collection by any command of the Nigeria Customs
Service (NCS), adding that the command’s revenue profile between January through November 2021 stood at N784.8 billion.
This remarkable feat he said is a result of improved inter agency synergies,
enhanced trade facilitation, speedy dispute resolution and prevention of
revenue leakages
He added that the command remains resolute to contributing to the actualisation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) agenda in the area of increase in revenue collection and non compromise
for smuggling.
