Smuggling: Customs Warn Against Sabotaging Nation’s Economy

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone “B” in Kaduna, has warned smugglers to stop sabotaging the nation’s economy by desisting from their illicit activities and embracing legitimate trade.

The Comptroller of the zone, Dalha Chedi, gave the warning at a press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday, while highlighting some of the seizures recorded by the service.

He said that between February 17 and March 28, operatives of the zone made various seizures of about 98 contraband goods, including some unregistered alcoholic beverages with Duty Paid Value, DPV, of N769.465.

“Within the period under review, a total of 98 seizures, comprising 21 different items, were recorded.

“This includes contraband foreign parboiled rice, used foreign shoes, petroleum products, vehicles, and pasta, among others, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N769.465,” Chedi said.

The seized items, according to him, included foreign parboiled rice, spaghetti, macaroni, couscous, secondhand clothing, premium motor spirit, refined vegetable oil, used vehicles, and various other goods.

Among the notable seizures, he said, are 372 bags of the offensive rice intercepted and deposited at the Kwara Area Command.

Chedi stressed the relentless efforts of his officers and men in adapting to the evolving tactics employed by smugglers, such as concealing smuggled rice within local flour sacks.

He restated the Customs Service’s determination to resist any attempts to undermine their operation

Chedi highlighted the issue of smugglers altering Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) to evade detection, urging the public to verify VINs before purchasing vehicles to avoid legal repercussions.

He expressed gratitude to the Customs leadership for its support and encouragement, as well as members of the public for their cooperation.

Chedi advised vehicle owners to take advantage of the 90-day window provided for duty documentation regularisation.

He added that the Customs Zone “B” would continue to uphold its mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring compliance with customs regulations.