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The Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service, said it had intercepted smuggled goods including used clothing, cigarettes and unregistered pharmaceutical products with a Customs Paid Value of N721.9m.
This was stated by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Financial Controller, Haliru Isah Abdullahi, in a press conference on Thursday at the Command Headquarters in Sokoto.
Abdullahi said the seizure was the result of intensive anti-smuggling operations aimed at protecting the country’s economy, securing the country’s borders and preventing the circulation of illegal goods.
He said the command had maintained its operations despite security challenges in parts of the state under its jurisdiction.
The items confiscated included one used DAF truck, 599 bales of used clothing, seven sacks of used women’s bags, 43 cartons of cigarettes and seven cartons of Akouna coffee.
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The command also intercepted several pharmaceutical products, including 100 packages of quinine, 500 packages of amodiaquine, 140 packages of paracetamol, and 300 packages of flu medicine.
Other medical products confiscated were one carton of analgesic injections, two cartons of Dynewell syrup, one carton of Dynewell tablets and one carton of Clear Cold.
According to Abdullahi, the total Value of Duty Paid on the confiscated goods reached N721,957,021.41.
He said the seizure was carried out in accordance with Sections 245 and 248 of the Nigerian Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the service to seize items subject to seizure.
The acting comptroller urged Nigerians to provide credible information to assist the service in tackling smuggling and other illegal cross-border activities.
He warned that the distribution of unregistered pharmaceutical products poses serious health risks to the public.
“Eradicating smuggling will stop people from consuming unregistered drugs which endanger public health,” said Abdullahi.
He added that eradicating illegal trade would also strengthen the economy and support the government’s efforts to provide social facilities.
Abdullahi further warned the smugglers and their collaborators to desist from carrying out such illegal businesses, stressing that the command will not tolerate their activities.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the command by sharing information that could aid its operations.
The acting controller also commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, officers and command staff, and relevant security agencies for their contribution to the anti-smuggling campaign.
