Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ has arrested 94 suspected smugglers and seized goods worth over N18 billion in the last two weeks of the month.

Addressing reporters in Lagos, its Area Controller, Kola Oladeji, said: “These achievements underscore our determination to protect the  economy and security against illicit cross border trade and movement around our borders.

“We have been working relentlessly to improve smuggling detection methods, leveraging on intelligence to stay ahead of smugglers and prevent the importation of prohibited and harmful products.

“The newly inaugurated “Operation Swift Sting” has recorded remarkable success in the fight against illicit cross border trade with smuggling with an impressive arrest in just two weeks.’’

Through this operation, he added, “we arrested a significant amount of cannabis sativa, 4,010 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg bags each, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), along with other contraband items’’.

He continued: “It is clear that ‘Operation Swift Sting’ is delivering unbearable heat to the smuggling cartel at the same time ensuring facilitation of compliant trade with an impressive outcome.

“Ninety-four defendants were arrested in connection with some of the seizures, and six persons have been convicted for various offences.’’

This, he further said, “demonstrates their quest to bring perpetrators to justice and also ensure deterrence from illicit Trade; 707 seizures worth a total Duty Paid Value of N 18,710,143,801.24 were intercepted from January 2024 till date.

Prominent among the seizures, the Controller said, “are 48,912 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each,191,975 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 7,861 kg of cannabis sativa; 6,168 pieces of dry donkey skins, 37,630 sachets of Tramadol, 207 units of motor vehicles. Some of which were arrested for short payment of duty and later cleared after payment of outstanding Duty; 6,755 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products; 1,433 bales of used clothes; 1,773 units of used refrigerator compressors and 317 cartons of illicit medicament.’’

“In addition to the seizures,” he added, “so far, in 2024 we collected revenue through careful documentary checks and issuance of demand notices to consignments that were found to have underpaid customs duty.

The sum of N1, 012, 783, 437.21 was generated through these efforts. This also underscores the importance of careful monitoring and intelligence at preventing smuggling and ensuring that all imports are properly declared and taxed.

“Smuggling operations that employ ingenious concealment methods could have significant impact on the Nation’s economy and security if not checked with modern intelligence tools. Hence, the Service is calling on citizens to support its anti-smuggling efforts by providing useful and timely information on illicit cross border trade.

“In the course of fighting the menace of smuggling, we also raised awareness about its dangers and the importance of complying with Customs regulations. We remain resolute in protecting the nation’s Economy, Security and Health through coordinated synergy with relevant stakeholders.

He commended security agencies, media practitioners and other stakeholders, and the public for providing timely information, support and advice and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his Management for their support. “Your effort is making a significant impact,” he added.