By Steve Agbota
The operatives of Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday said that it intercepted 1,500 pieces of bullet proof jackets worth over N1.687 billion along Ijebu-Ode-Shagamu, Ogun State.
The Unit said it also seized 989 kg of Indian Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) and 5,229 cartons of expired drugs and other contraband with the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N3.636 billion.
The Area Controller of Customs of the Unit, Comptroller Kola Oladeji disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos, said that these decisive and uncompromising actions took place at various times and locations within the South-Western States.
However, the said there is no end-users certificate for the bulletproof.
“We don’t know where the bulletproof is going to as investigation is ongoing to unravel the destination of the items. We are trying to link it to the ammunition intercepted at One Port in Rivers State. We are still investigating if they are bringing this in to make their mission complete,” he said.
According to him, it is worthy of note is the fact that under Schedule four (4) of the Customs Common External Tariff (CET), the importation of all kinds of military wares by individuals is under absolute prohibition.
“An End-User Certificate (EUC) is required for the importation of controlled items and products into Nigeria. An EUC is an undertaking by a purchaser/importer that any of the controlled items/products would be for lawful use within Nigeria; and must not be transferred or re-exported to any other entity or country prior written consent of the issuing authority, which is the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA),” he added.
He said other items seized within the month of June include: 343,750 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS), 7,150 bags of foreign parboiled rice at 50 kg each, 32 units of used motor vehicles were intercepted, 120 bags of sugar at 50 kg each, 3,560 cartons of poultry products.
He revealed that four suspects were apprehended in connection with various offenses, including violating import/export guidelines, concealment, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives.
Furthermore, he said the Unit recovered the sum of N62. 017 million in revenue for the month of June 20024 through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of Demand Notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate Customs duties.
“You may recall that some security and medical experts reported that people who take illicit drugs can lead to mental health cases, and are most often motivated for the wrong reasons; where extreme motivations could lead to loss of conscience that aids the commission of crimes.
“The intake of expired drugs can have serious health consequences on the kidneys and the liver, inclusive of the development of allergies and lowering of immunity.
“I implore all patriotic citizens to provide useful and timely information that would lead to the arrest of illegal importation of military wares, illicit drugs and counterfeiting goods. Importers and licensed agents are also urged to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their goods,” he explained.