The Federal Operations Unit, Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service, has reported intercepting various illicit items, including materials used for the production of explosive devices and cannabis sativa, also known as Indian hemp, with a total duty paid value of N1.6 billion between July and September. The announcement was made by Kayode Kolade, the acting Customs Area Controller for the zone, during a press briefing held at the government warehouse in Benin City, Edo State.
During this period, nine individuals were apprehended in connection with these seizures. Kolade expressed concern about the high incidence of smuggling in the zone and noted that the Customs Zone collected N54.2 million from demand notices issued for violations. The total value of seizures amounted to N1.6 billion.
The confiscated items included:
- 417 sacks of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) weighing 9,194 kg.
- 627 compressed parcels of Indian hemp, each weighing 1 kg, totaling 627 kg.
- Nine sacks containing materials for explosive devices, including fertilizers, device cables, and chemicals, each weighing 50 kg.
- 1,329 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kg.
- Five cartons of DSP Cough Syrup with Codeine (containing 1,000 bottles).
- One armored bullion van.
- 761 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing.
- 883 cartons of various unregistered/expired medicaments, including tramadol.
- 100 cartons of various wines.
- 5,737 used pneumatic tires.
- 335 cartons of smuggled foreign tomato paste.
- 300 cartons of foreign spaghetti, among other items.
Kolade explained that these contraband items were intercepted at various locations within the jurisdiction of the zone. He expressed particular concern about the smuggling of explosive materials, highlighting the potential security risks associated with their illicit transport. He emphasized the need for vigilance and warned smugglers to cease their activities, stating that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to enforce the law.
The controller also issued a warning to economic saboteurs planning to engage in illegal activities during the upcoming festive season, stating that the Customs Service would take action to prevent such activities and hold perpetrators accountable. He underscored the importance of the Customs Service’s role in maintaining national security and protecting against potential threats related to illicit goods, including explosives.