Customs seizes smuggled N1.3b exotic cars

* 17 suspects held

THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has impounded 37 brand new
exotic vehicles estimated at N1.3 billion after bursting a
smuggling ring.

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) spoke
on the seizures yesterday while addressing reporters at the Customs
Training School in Lagos.

He said the seizures were made by officers and men of the
Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja and the CGC Compliance
Team in Lagos.

The vehicles, according to Ali, include eight Lexus sports
utility vehicles (SUVs) – LX570, 2017 model; 12 Land Cruiser SUVs –
GXR, 2017 model and 17 Toyota Hilux of 2016, 2013, 2012, 2012, 2011
and 209 models.

Ali added that his men also seized 12,081 bags of smuggled
parboiled rice with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over
N149million.

It was gathered that some of the smugglers used the number
plates on some of the new vehicles as a decoy to beat Customs’
checks. But unknown to them, Customs officials had been monitoring
their movement for days before swooping on them.

Sources closed to the service said when some of the smugglers
saw the Customs team on the unapproved routes, they abandoned the
vehicles and jumped into the bush to evade arrest.

The FOU Comptroller, it was gathered, employed credible
information and community relation, including collaboration other
security agencies, in bursting the smugglers.

Ali said the service had not received any order from the Federal
Government unbanning the importation of vehicles and rice through
the land borders.

According to the Customs boss, his men also confiscated huge
parcels and sacks of Indian hemp with duty paid value of N12.7
million.

The duty paid value of all seized items was over N1.6
billion

Seventeen suspects were arrested in connection with the
seizures.

Eleven of the suspects, it was learnt, were released on bail.
Six are still in detention.

“The 37 vehicles have a duty paid value of N1,374,122,679.00.
Similarly, the 12,081 bags of smuggled parboiled rice have a duty
paid value of N149,007,658.

“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 that
are inimical to the health of our people and our country.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government policies
banning the importation of rice and vehicles through the land
borders are still in force. The Nigeria Customs Service remains
resolute to work towards crippling smugglers and getting them out
of the illegitimate business.

“In the face of security and economic challenges, no responsible
government will fold its hand while unpatriotic elements continue
to engage in illegal activities that will further compress national
economic and security well-being of her people.”

* 17 suspects held

THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has impounded 37 brand new
exotic vehicles estimated at N1.3 billion after bursting a
smuggling ring.

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) spoke
on the seizures yesterday while addressing reporters at the Customs
Training School in Lagos.

He said the seizures were made by officers and men of the
Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja and the CGC Compliance
Team in Lagos.

The vehicles, according to Ali, include eight Lexus sports
utility vehicles (SUVs) – LX570, 2017 model; 12 Land Cruiser SUVs –
GXR, 2017 model and 17 Toyota Hilux of 2016, 2013, 2012, 2012, 2011
and 209 models.

Ali added that his men also seized 12,081 bags of smuggled
parboiled rice with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over
N149million.

It was gathered that some of the smugglers used the number
plates on some of the new vehicles as a decoy to beat Customs’
checks. But unknown to them, Customs officials had been monitoring
their movement for days before swooping on them.

Sources closed to the service said when some of the smugglers
saw the Customs team on the unapproved routes, they abandoned the
vehicles and jumped into the bush to evade arrest.

The FOU Comptroller, it was gathered, employed credible
information and community relation, including collaboration other
security agencies, in bursting the smugglers.

Ali said the service had not received any order from the Federal
Government unbanning the importation of vehicles and rice through
the land borders.

According to the Customs boss, his men also confiscated huge
parcels and sacks of Indian hemp with duty paid value of N12.7
million.

The duty paid value of all seized items was over N1.6
billion

Seventeen suspects were arrested in connection with the
seizures.

Eleven of the suspects, it was learnt, were released on bail.
Six are still in detention.

“The 37 vehicles have a duty paid value of N1,374,122,679.00.
Similarly, the 12,081 bags of smuggled parboiled rice have a duty
paid value of N149,007,658.

“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 that
are inimical to the health of our people and our country.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government policies
banning the importation of rice and vehicles through the land
borders are still in force. The Nigeria Customs Service remains
resolute to work towards crippling smugglers and getting them out
of the illegitimate business.

“In the face of security and economic challenges, no responsible
government will fold its hand while unpatriotic elements continue
to engage in illegal activities that will further compress national
economic and security well-being of her people.”