The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of 37 brand new vehicles worth N1.4billion smuggled into the country from Republic of Benin. This was even as the Service also intercepted 12,081 bags of smuggled rice valued at N149million.
The smuggled vehicles which include, eight Lexus SUVs, 2017 model; 12 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, 2017 model and 17 Toyota Hilux, (2009-2016) models have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.4billion.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday, the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd), said the brand new vehicles were intercepted by the officers of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja and the CGC Compliance team after it was imported through the land borders into Nigeria.
According to him, “This vehicle did not come from the port but the borders through unapproved routes. The smugglers in connivance with our officers know how to cut corners. We have over 4000km of border mass and we can’t line up officers to cover it.”
“They knew they are bringing in through unapproved routes and will go through dusty roads so they paint it with engine oil so that officers won’t know it’s brand new but when they were washed they will have a new look. That is why we need all the information.”
The Customs boss who reiterated Federal Government stance on ban of vehicles importation through the land borders said the vehicles are out rightly seized by the service.
“The owners said the vehicles were refurbished and I went there to see whether it was true, but they did not look to me as refurbished vehicles. We have asked him to bring his evidence and if there are proof that they are refurbished, he takes his vehicles because we want to be fair, but if he cannot prove it, it will be outright seizure and the importer will be prosecuted for involving in smuggling,” Alli stated.
Similarly, the Customs boss said a total of 12,081 bags of smuggled parboiled rice with DPV of N149million was also intercepted.
“Also, for the avoidance of doubt, the Federal government policies banning the importation of rice and vehicles through the land borders are still in force and the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute including its determination to enforce these policies.”
“Apart from the seizures of vehicles and rice, the reinvigorated anti-smuggling operations yielded another 156 assorted seizures including bales of used clothing, Indian hemp and used tyres.
“Another face of insecurity and economic challenges, no responsible government will fold its hands while unpatriotic elements continue to engage in illegal activities that will further compound national economic and security wellbeing for their people,” the Customs boss explained.
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