The National Coordinator of Customs Strike Force, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Kirawa, has said that the strike force has made several seizures worth worth N460, 839, 156.35 between January till March 2019.
Kirawa made this disclosure on Friday during a press briefing held at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to him, the seizures included 50 x 25 litres of Vegetable Oil, 6,102 bags of 50kg foreign rice, two used vehicles (a Toyota Avalon and a MAN Diesel Truck).
Others seized goods included used tyres, 508 bales of Second Hand Clothing, 50 bales of new jeans trousers, T/Shirts and ladies handbags amongst others.
He however said that smuggling is an economic crime that is detrimental to the health of the nation.
Explaining further he said that the seizures were made by his men along the Western corridor, based on intelligence provided by credible sources.
Kirawa said the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) and the Common External Tariff, both mandated the Service to seize goods that are falsely declared, under- declared, concealed or placed under outright ban.
"Of the 304 cartons of Imitation jewelries that were displayed, the importers, through false declaration, declared it as mixed bead mould. This was done to evade payment of duty that should accrue to government" he said.
Kirawa appealed to importers and clearing agents to make honest declarations concerning their consignments and pass their goods through the ports, where they would be legitimately cleared.
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