The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has made a seizure of high profile vehicles valued at N1.374bn in a single haul, the authorities have said.
The Comptroller General of the NCS, Col. Hameed Ali, (Rtd), made the disclosure in Lagos on Tuesday while showing 37 assorted Sports Utility Vehicles and used cars seized by the service to journalists.
The Controller-General emphasised that the NCS’s remains steadfast and committed to its anti smuggling efforts.
Ali revealed that eight units of brand new 2017 model of Lexus LX570, and 12 units of 2017 model of Toyota Land Cruiser were among the seized cars as well as 17 units of Toyota Hilux ranging from 2010 to 2019 models.
The Customs CG added that the seizures were jointly made by the CGC’s Compliance Team and the Roving Team of the Federal Operations Unit in Lagos.
He said in addition to the vehicle seizures, his men also made seizures of rice.
He said, ”Similarly, a total of 12,081 bags of smuggled parboiled rice with a duty paid value of N149m were seized.
”Apart from the seizure of vehicles and rice, the reinvigorated anti smuggling operations yielded another 156 assorted seizures including bales of used clothing, Indian hemp, and used tyres.”
He pointed out that the Federal Government’s policies banning the importation of rice and vehicles through the land borders were still in force.
“Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute to working towards crippling smugglers and getting them out of the illegitimate business,” he stated.
Ali added that customs officers have been instructed to use their arms to avoid being killed or injured.
