On Monday, the Nigeria Customs Service announced that it had detained 16 containers containing illegal goods, including expired pharmaceuticals and weapons. This was stated by Adewale Adeniyi, the Customs General Comptroller, while presenting the seized containers to journalists in Apapa.
He explained that the importation of the containers is against the law and poses a threat to the country's peace and security. "Today, it gives me pleasure to announce the seizure of 16 containers containing goods whose importation violates our laws and poses a threat to our collective peace and security," the spokesperson said.
Adeniyi stated, "All of these seizures have a duty-paid value of more than N10 billion." Adeniyi gave details about the seizures, saying that officers from the NCS and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency jointly examined a 40-foot container with the registration number MRSU6407089 after receiving credible information.
Adeniyi went on to say that the container was initially deemed clean, but after a second search by the two agencies, 202 cans of Colorado loud, which are drugs from Canada, were hidden inside. The total amount of the seizures is 101 kilograms, and each can weighs 500 grams. But the information we have suggests that it's not just about the drugs in the container.
The CAC was instructed to set up scanners and scan the containers based on this advice. After all of this was done, the container contained weapons and ammunition. 25 ammunition rounds and two pump-action rifles were found.
A single Smith & Wesson pistol with 55 rounds, one blank, and a number of accessories was also found,” he continued. He mentioned that additional seizures included three containers of absolutely prohibited used clothing, seven containers of expired drugs and prohibited medications, and three containers of expired food items, particularly margarine.
The CGC emphasized that the service also launched a weekend operation that resulted in the seizure of a 40-foot container. Additionally, there were 1,290 sacks of frozen poultry products inside. 1,290 sacks of frozen chicken were also in a 40-foot container known as FBIU5507953.
According to Adeniyi, "an importation that has violated intellectual property rights is another interesting seizure." He stated once more that the container contained 305 toothpaste cartons that were hidden by beads and a Jalabiya dress. He said that this particular seizure also shows how the NCS and other government agencies work together to enforce branch rules.
It was a case of infringing on a Nigerian company's brand. In addition to brand infringement, these products could be taken away because they were not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
He added, "We also seized two additional containers of expired chest and lung tablets without a NAFDAC registration number." He claimed that two 40-foot containers containing codeine were also seized by the service. Additionally, these two containers have been seized. The owners of these containers are linked to those of the previous ones we've made by the information we had on them." He maintained that the information the service is receiving is assisting in establishing a connection between the previous importers.
In connection with the seizures, he stated that five arrests had been made. There have been five arrests all together. Three of the five have been charged and appeared in court.
Adeniyi emphasized that they are currently remanded in Ikoyi Prisons until the substantive case is heard sometime next month.
He promised that the service would use the tool of customs-to-customs cooperation to identify those responsible for these operations and collaborate with both domestic and international partners as well as customs administrations worldwide.
He concluded, "And ensure that Nigeria does not become a dumping ground for them."
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