Customs seizes N112.68 million contraband, 700 Machetes in Port Harcourt

The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area 1 Command, has impounded four consignments with duty paid value of N112.68 million illegally imported into the country.

The Comptroller, Ibrahim Muhammad, said this on Wednesday at the command’s port terminal in Port Harcourt.

He said the consignments consisted of four containers with 2,965 gallons of vegetable oil.

“Upon credible intelligence, some contraband was uncovered and investigation showed that the containers were largely vegetable oil concealed in ceramic tiles, and some home appliances.

“In view of this, the four containers are seized. Investigation is ongoing, we know the agents are licenced and customs have control over their operations.

“A case of seizure has been appropriately reported while we await further report as soon as investigation is concluded,” Mr Muhammad said.

The Comptroller also said that 481 Bales of second-hand clothing, 700 packages of Machetes and 107 packages of shovels also made the list of seizures.

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He said that while some items like the vegetable oil and second-hand clothes were contraband, shovels and machetes were detained pending provision of an End-user-certificate from the office of the National Security Adviser, especially considering sensitivity to the forthcoming general elections.

The Comptroller also said the command generated over N92.32 billion in 2022, a 12 per cent rise compared to the N81.31 billion revenue generated in 2021.

Mr Muhammad attributed the increase in revenue to monies generated from Port Harcourt International Airport and Excise duties from International Brewery and Nigeria Bottling Company.

(NAN)