Apapa Customs Intercepts Seven Contraband-Laden Containers Worth N292.244 Million

Apapa Customs Intercepts Seven Contraband-Laden Containers Worth N292.244 Million
……as Olomu warns non compliant traders to avoid Apapa port command

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again demonstrated its commitment to anti-smuggling efforts by intercepting seven 40-foot containers laden with non-trade goods.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Area Controller, who revealed this in a press statement by the Command’s Public Relations officer,CSC Abubakar Usman,noted that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stands at ₦292.244 million.

The seizures, which occurred on July 18, 2024, included the following:
Cutlass and Machete: Two 40-foot containers carrying 12,000 pieces of cutlass and machete.

Frozen Hen: Two 40-foot containers with 4,129 packages of frozen hen.
Used Second-Hand Clothing: One 40-foot container containing 368 jumbo bales of used second-hand clothing.
Expired Pharmaceutical: Another 40-foot container held expired pharmaceutical products.
Comptroller Olomu emphasized that this type of importation violated the Customs’ extant rules. The seizures were made through intelligence reports and diligent enforcement to ensure that no consignment exits the Apapa port or any terminal under the command without proper examination.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to trade facilitation and revenue collection while upholding the enforcement of laws related to false declaration, concealment, under declaration, and undervaluation. Additionally, the command will enforce requirements for sister regulatory agencies like NAFDAC (for food and drugs) and strictly implement end-user certificate rules.

The Apapa command remains vigilant against smuggling, ensuring that only compliant consignments pass through the port.

The statement opined that the seized items will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and regulatory action.