Customs seizes N212m worth of smuggled rice in Lagos waterways
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Apapa, Lagos, has made a significant interception of three trucks carrying foreign parboiled rice, valued at N212 million, smuggled into the country via the nation’s inland waterways.
During a press briefing, Customs Area Controller Comptroller Patrick Ntadi showcased the seized items, which included not only rice but also other contraband such as cannabis sativa and sugar.
“The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized contraband is valued at N352 million,” Compt. Ntadi reported. He noted that 2,017 bags of rice were included in the haul, along with 481 loaves of cannabis sativa worth N50 million. The confiscated items also encompassed seven sacks of sugar, 72 rolls of foreign materials, and nine boats, each contributing to the overall value of the seizures.
“These seizures represent a significant blow to criminal networks involved in illicit trade and smuggling activities,” he emphasized, reaffirming the Command’s dedication to border protection and the promotion of lawful trade.
Ntadi credited the success of these operations not only to the motivation provided by the Controller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, but also to enhanced intelligence gathering and cooperation with other security agencies. “We remain vigilant and proactive, continually updating our strategies to counter evolving smuggling tactics,” he stated.
The Customs chief urged the public to remain vigilant against suspicious activities, asserting, “Our collective efforts are essential in safeguarding our country’s economic integrity and social order.”
He assured that the Command would persist in its efforts against smuggling and illegal activities, declaring, “We are committed to upholding the laws of our land, protecting our citizens, and ensuring that justice is served.”
Following the seizure, Ntadi handed over the confiscated cannabis to Emmanuel Morrison, the acting Commander of the Marine Command of the NDLEA, who expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration.
Source: LEADERSHIP
