Determined to fight smuggling to a standstill and to generate revenue, the Federal Operating Unit (FOU C) Owerri of the Nigeria Customs Service, has advised importers and clearing agents to desist from unregistered goods as the unit raked in N1,735,665,304 and also recovered underpayments to the tune of N2, 225, 112,544 totaling, N3,990,777,848, in the first half of 2017.
The figure according to the unit was recovered from 91 seizures.
Disclosing this in a media parley in Owerri, the unit Cotroller; Compt. Amjan BA, warned that any unregistered imported rice wherever it is seen, are a violation of the Nigeria Customs trade register, and are safely classified as smuggled goods and will be seized.
The unit boss said the extant Customs and Excise Management Act, (CEMA)frowns at unauthorized imports, especially food items, which are considered unfit for consumption since these items lacks safety checks.
The various seizures according to him, consists of 2,993 bags of rice loaded in a Mark Truck, 380 cartons of soap, 2017 model Range Rover Sport Jeep and 4,118 cartons of imported frozen poultry foods.
Other seizures are a Mercedes Benz G65 (AMG), 1x40ft container of assorted commodities including 10, 00 pieces of children bags, 303 pieces of suitcases, 15 television sets, 240 pieces of jewelries amongst others.
Amajam explained that all the seized items contravened extant fiscal guidelines even as he said that other seized items in its custody are undergoing screening and investigations.
He revealed that majority of the seizures were made by his patrol units in Benin, Enugu, Onitsha, Eleme and Mfum areas of the zone.
He also said that his officers and men of the unit arrested some suspects in connection with the seizures, explaining that while some of the suspects have been granted bail, others are still undergoing investigations.
“We arrested suspects in connection with some of the seizures but we granted some bail as the law stipulates. Let me at this point explain that the procedure is not to have any suspect in detention for more than 48 hours without an offer of bail. Most of the suspects met the bail conditions and have been released while we carry out further investigations and litigations”, he said.
Speaking on the 50 bags of unapproved rice brand, allegedly bought at Aba market by the suspect which were on transit to Port Harcourt before it was intercepted around Elele, Amajam said Customs operatives will continue to treat all unregistered imported goods as prohibited and will be seized.
He maintained that his officers and men will continue to degrade smugglers illegal investments and ever newer antics in sabotaging the economy, as he enjoined those still in the unwholesome activities to seek legitimate ways of trade or face the wrath of the law.
He urged importers and clearing agents to familiarize themselves with the import guidelines as a safe guard against engaging in unapproved imports or falling victim to fiscal prohibitions.
“Though smugglers keep finding new ways to try to evade detection, the NCS will keep coming up with ingenuous and even better ways of nipping their activities in the bud. Evidence of our commitment can be seen in the quality of seizures and high duty paid value accruable to the government.
“Whilst I commend importers/traders that comply with the laws and regulations, we urge them not to relent. Intending importers/exporters are encouraged to become familiar with applicable laws and regulations to avoid being on the wrong side of the law. Those engaged in the negative act of smuggling should have a rethink and make a positive attitudinal change and engage in legitimate trade. We will not relent in our efforts, we will continue to live up to our responsibilities to bring smuggling to its barest minimum in the zone" he concluded.
The half year report shows remarkable improvement on the Unit’s anti-smuggling activities.
The month of May 2017, top the chat with N91, 868, 700. 00 generated from seizures and N10, 646, 477. 00 collected in Debit Notes from underpayments.
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