Chinonye Anyatonwu.
The Apapa customs command of the Nigeria Customs Service( NCS) has intercepted 554 cartons of tramadol worth #223million which was imported into the country from India.
Briefing the news men on Thursday in Apapa Lagos, the commands Area Controller, Compt. Yusuf Malanta stated that the command were able to track and intercept a container with No. 1793504 which was declared falsely as ceramic tiles.
According to Compt. Malanta, upon 100 percent physical examination to ascertain its true content, was found to contain 554 cartons of tramadol capsules ( 120mg) concealed with 1000 cartons of ceramic tiles.
He noted that barely three weeks of resuming office in Apapa, he came with strong determination, zeal and commitment to ensure that the confidence and trust bestowed on him by the CGC is upheld and not abused, stating that the commands anti- smuggling architecture has been redesigned to suppress smuggling to barest minimum.
The breakdown on other seized items stated that one(1) 40ft container loaded with sacks of mosquito coil products but declared as Ground paper and packaging paper bag, seven (7) containers loaded with bales of used clothing and shoes and one (1) container of unregistered pharmaceutical product ( 989 cartons of Mixagrip tabs) wrongfully declared as Winches and Gaskets.
However, it is noteworthy to state that the consigmentts are outrightly seized for breaching the provisions of sections 46, 47 and 161 of CEMA CAP C45 LFN 2004 and provision of schedule 4 (17) of the Common External Tarrif.
” The command has launched a preliminary investigation with a view to identifying the consignees for arrest and possible prosecution in connection with this criminal and unlawful importation.
The Total Duty Paid value of the aforementioned seizures stood at two hundred and twenty- three million, two hundred and twenty- five thousand, nine hundred (#223,225,900.00).
He therefore assure members of the business community that the command will increase sensitization, enlightenment and robust stakeholders engagement for seamless operations, with a view to educate the public on the harmful and destructive nature of these illegal importations.
” This Command under my watch will not tolerate such kind of unlawful behavior from any importer or declarant”, Compt. Malanta said.
