THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commended the Controller Tin-Can Island Customs Command, Comptroller Bashar Yusuf for what it described as “outstanding diligence” following the detecting of importation of substances suspected to be cocaine concealed in bags inside a 1 by 20ft container with Number CMAU 0451954/0 belonging to Nigerite Nigeria Limited.
The commendation was contained in a letter addressed to the command dated October 20, 2016 and signed by the Deputy Comptroller-General E I & I.
On the fate of Nigerite since the company is a beneficiary of the customs fast track, the Controller stated that if a fast track company conceals or un-manifest products, appropriate sanctions will be applied, which include, but not limited to removal from fast track opportunity for breach of trust.
The controller stressed that the non-manifestation of the bags fuelled suspicion of foul play which necessitated the involvement of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for due diligence analysis, investigations and feedback.
Speaking further, the controller informed the media that there were other products that were manifested in the said container, which is called ‘Virgin Cellulose Tasman’ for the manufacture of cement.
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