The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted seven containers of contraband items, including cutlasses, expired drugs, and frozen chicken, at the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) in Apapa. The seized items are valued at approximately N292.2 million.
Customs Area Controller Babatunde Olomu showcased the seized items at the port on Thursday, highlighting the specifics of the contraband:
- 2x40ft containers carrying 12,000 pieces of cutlasses and machetes
- 2x40ft containers containing 4,129 packages of frozen chicken
- 1x40ft container carrying 368 jumbo bales of used second-hand clothing
- 1x40ft container with expired pharmaceutical products
Olomu noted that the cutlasses and machetes were imported from China, the expired drugs from India, and the frozen chicken from Turkey.
The seizures were a result of combined intelligence efforts and diligent enforcement to ensure no consignment exits Apapa Port or any terminal under the command without proper examination. Olomu emphasized the command’s commitment to trade facilitation and maximum revenue collection without compromising the enforcement of laws related to false declaration, concealment, under declaration, and undervaluation.
“We are also enforcing the requirements for sister regulatory agencies like the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in the case of food and drugs and strict implementation of the end user certificate rules for products that require it from relevant authorities like the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA),” Olomu stated.
The seized items will be handed over to the appropriate agencies for further investigation and regulatory action. Olomu reiterated the Apapa command’s dedication to sustaining and improving enforcement measures to prevent illegal activities and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
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