Apapa Customs Service Command generates N87.8bn revenue in August
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has said it generated N87.8 billion last month
Its Comptroller, Malanta Yusuf, who spoke at a briefing in Lagos, said the feat was the first in the history of the command.
Yusuf added that the command’s revenue collection from January to August of 2021, was N526.9 billion, translating to 63.9 percent increment.
“As regards anti-smuggling, 56 containers of various items, which inlude tramadol, codeine syrup, used clothing, used tyres, tomato paste, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and unprocessed wood were seized.
“These items were seized between January and August, and had a Duty Paid Value of over N28.3 billion,” he said.
He added that notable among the seized items was a container no. UETU4008070(1×40 feet) suspected to be laden with sophisticated factory fitted concealment of illicit drugs in marble polishing machinery.
Yusuf said that the container which arrived on a vessel CMA CGM LAPIS with bill of laden no. BRT0220100 consigned to Home Page Global Resources Ltd., of Oyinkola Close, Isolo, Lagos(TIN no. 14899445-0001), was said to be from Lebanon and declared as marble polishing machine.
“The high level concealment was detected with the help of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), shifter dogs and laser machine deployed to cut open various components of the machine.
“This resulted in the discovery of Captagon pills which was carefully hidden in different parts of the machine weighing 74.119kg,” he said.
He explained that Captagon pill was a controlled substance regarded as one of the most dangerous stimulants being used by insurgent and terrorist groups in the Middle East and other war-torn countries.
Yusuf said that the importation contravened Sections 46 and 47 of CEMA CAP C45 LFN, 2004 and Schedule 3, item 13 of the Common External Tariff(CET).
He added that the person connected with the imporation was arrested and presently undergoing interrogation to unravel his collaborators.
“The drug and the suspect have been handed over to the NDLEA for safe custody, further analysis, ascertain the street value, interrogation and possible prosecution,” he said
Accordingly, the command has launched full-scale investigation with a view to fish out the criminals that are involved in this illicit business.
