Customs seizes unregistered alcoholic beverages, other contraband in Kaduna

In the past two months, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone "B" in Kaduna confiscated around 98 illegal commodities, including some unlicensed alcoholic drinks.

Dalha Chedi, the zone's comptroller, announced this during a news briefing in Kaduna on Thursday.

He stated that between February 17 and March 28, zone operatives seized different commodities with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N769.465.

“Within the period under review, a total of 98 seizures, comprising 21 different items were recorded. This includes contraband foreign parboiled rice, used foreign shoes, petroleum products, vehicles, and pasta, among others, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N769.465,” Chedi said. 

According to him, the confiscated commodities included foreign parboiled rice, spaghetti, macaroni, couscous, secondhand apparel, premium motor spirit, refined vegetable oil, used autos, and a variety of other things.

Among the significant seizures, he said, were 372 bags of offensive rice seized and sent to the Kwara Area Command.

Chedi emphasised his officers' and men's tireless attempts to adapt to the changing techniques used by smugglers, such as disguising illegal rice under local flour bags.

He reiterated the Customs Service's willingness to thwart any attempts to undermine its operations.

He encouraged smugglers to cease harming the country's economy by abandoning illegal operations and embracing regular trade.

Chedi brought up the issue of smugglers changing Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to escape discovery, advising the public to verify VINs before purchasing automobiles to avoid legal ramifications.

He thanked the Customs leadership for their support and encouragement, as well as the people for their cooperation.

Chedi recommended car owners take advantage of the 90 days for duty papers regularisation and stated that the Customs Zone "B" will continue to carry out its responsibility of protecting Nigeria's borders and ensuring compliance with customs regulations.