Apapa Comptroller, Malanta Yusuf, disclosed at a media briefing in Lagos, noted that the remarkable feat was the first in the history of the command, he added that the command’s revenue collection from January to August was N526.9 billion, translating to 63.9 per cent.
“As regards anti-smuggling, 56 containers of various items ranging from tramadol, codeine syrup, used clothing, used tyres, tomato paste, unregistered pharmaceuticals, unprocessed wood and other sundry items were seized.
“These items were seized between the months of 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.
“Accordingly, the command has launched full-scale investigation with a view to fishing out persons involved in this illicit importation,” he said.
– Sun