Comptroller MS Shuaibu Hits Smugglers, Harvests Seizures Worth #1.5 Billion.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Customs Area Controller, Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Comptroller MS Shuaibu has dealt with the smugglers financially, as the Unit intercepted 7x20ft containers filled with various prohibited goods within the Lagos axis worth #1,501,312,425.00.

Contents of the seized containers revealed the following; MSKU 8551954 contains used Tyres and vehicle, SYDU 1479614 has foreign parboiled rice, MSKU 7751689 contains foreign parboiled rice, MSKU 798700 also has rice, ZCSU 8845072 has New shoes, ZCSU with new clothes, PIDU has New bags.

The Unit’s renewed efforts have significantly bolstered their strategies to secure southwestern states borders against economic saboteurs. Within three (3) weeks, the Unit has inflicted huge financial injuries on the smugglers through the seizures of various illegal goods. Notable among the seizures are; 4,085 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice equivalent to 7 trailer loads. 15 illegally imported foreign used vehicles, 246 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, 290 Jerry cans of premium motor spirit (PMS), 12 bales and 4 sacks of used clothes.

Four (4) suspects were arrested in connection with the various seizures.

Also, the Unit have diligently optimized the revenue line to ensure the recovery of funds meant for the government. As a result, the Unit have successfully recovered a total sum of #20, 792, 372.00 through the issuance of demand notices from irregular importation and auction sales of seized petroleum products.

In line with the dictate of the Service to Foster inter-agency collaboration, the Unit handed over seized 246kg of Cannabis Sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) while the seized Tramadol we’re handed over to NAFDAC.

Therefore, the Area Controller, Comptroller MS Shuaibu urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illicit trade. He also advised déclarant of import goods to remain honest with their declarations to avoid seizure.

On Trade Facilitation, he noted that efficient trade facilitation is vital for unlocking economic potential, job creation, and fostering regional integration. “I take this responsibility seriously. Our intelligence driven operations are designed to create a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive trading environment that will benefit all stakeholders and the public barrier free operations, as we intend to collapse all patrol points within the Lagos metropolis,” he added.

He therefore express his gratitude to the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team for the opportunity given to him to serve as the controller FOU A.