Customs Service Seizes N6.19bn in Contraband Goods

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, reported the interception of prohibited goods valued at N6.19bn over four weeks. Acting Customs Area Comptroller Oladapo Afeni disclosed this during his first press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos.

The seizures included 3,407.83kg of cannabis, 400 grams of cocaine, and 100 grams of methamphetamine, along with various other items such as imported rice, frozen poultry, smuggled spaghetti, second-hand clothing, used tyres, and pharmaceutical products. Afeni noted that the interceptions were the result of 195 operations driven by intelligence gathering and collaboration with other agencies.

He expressed concern over the large quantity of cannabis and the potential for smuggled machetes to disrupt upcoming elections. Additionally, the unit recovered N683m through compliance checks and scrutiny of import declarations.

Afeni assured stakeholders that the unit would continue its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling and protect public health.