The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos intercepted fake $1.2 million notes, 148 drones, and five cryptocurrency machines which they handed over to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC)
Speaking at the handover ceremony to the EFCC, Charles Orbih, the customs area commander, stated that these items were confiscated between January and April.
Orbih emphasized that the seized items were promptly handed over to the appropriate authorities in Lagos, as directed by Bashir Adeniyi, the comptroller-general of customs.
In addition to the drones and cryptocurrency machines, the NCS also delivered 112 pieces of military hardware and accessories, two bulletproof helmets, and two military vests to the 81st Division of the Nigerian Army in Lagos.
Regarding the confiscated drones, Orbih highlighted that the importers failed to produce an end-user certificate (EUC) from the office of the national security adviser (ONSA).
He noted that most of the drones were abandoned, as they were unable to comply with the weight threshold requiring an EUC for drones above 250 grams.
In terms of revenue generation, Orbih proudly announced that the NCS had achieved a remarkable feat.
Between January and April of the current year, they generated N19 billion in revenue. This represents a substantial 67 percent increase compared to the previous year, 2023.
Orbih reiterated the core mandates of the NCS, which include revenue collection, suppression of smuggling, trade facilitation, and national security.
He commended the dedication and vigilance of the officers and men under his command in blocking revenue leakages and facilitating legitimate trade activities.
In addition to the major interceptions, the NCS also seized various other items to prevent revenue evasion.
These include precious stones such as zinc, lithium, and copper stones/sand, as well as 120 pieces of SIM cards.
“In our continued effort to block revenue leakages, the command made some seizures and detention of the following items precious stones such as zinc, lithium, copper stones/sand, 120 pieces of SIM cards.”
Furthermore, they confiscated four drones valued at N7.8 million, a wooden giraffe statue, and five bulletproof jackets valued at N1.25 million.
“The command seized four drones with a duty paid value of N7.8 million; one wooden giraffe statue and five bulletproof jackets with a DPV of N1.25 million.”
