Customs Busts N212 Million Smuggled Rice Shipment, Other Contrabands in Lagos
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Apapa, Lagos, has intercepted three trucks carrying foreign parboiled rice worth N212 million, smuggled into Nigeria through inland waterways.
Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, Customs Area Controller of the command, disclosed the seizure while presenting the contraband to journalists. He revealed that alongside the rice, the command also intercepted other illicit goods including cannabis sativa, sugar, and foreign textiles.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seized items amounts to N352 million. The contraband was intercepted around the Badagry waterways and surrounding areas.
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Details of the seizure include 2,017 bags of rice valued at N212 million, 481 loaves of cannabis sativa worth N50 million, seven sacks of 50kg sugar valued at N672,000, 72 rolls of foreign plain materials worth N71 million, and nine boats valued at N17.5 million.
Comptroller Ntadi emphasized that the seizures deal a major blow to criminal networks engaged in smuggling and illicit trade. He credited the success to enhanced intelligence efforts, improved collaboration with security agencies, deployment of additional patrol vessels, and the support of the Customs Controller General, Adewale Adeniyi.
He urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities related to smuggling on the waterways, emphasizing the collective responsibility in protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and social order.
Ntadi handed over the seized cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), with the acting Marine Command Commander, Emmanuel Morrison, receiving the contraband and commending the continued partnership between the agencies.
The Customs command pledged to maintain its fight against smuggling and illegal trade, committing to uphold the laws and protect Nigerian citizens.
By PRNigeria
