The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 12,500 liters of Premium Motor Spirit worth N8.75 million, which was being smuggled to Benin Republic.
According to a statement and pictures shared on X.com by the NCS on Sunday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, revealed this at the command’s headquarters on Friday.
The seizure was made on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at about 11:30 pm, along the Isalu Creek Badagry Waterway.
According to a statement by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, the interception was made possible through credible intelligence and joint patrol efforts.
The statement partly read, “At about 2330hrs on Wednesday, 8 May 2024, while on joint patrol based on credible intelligence, we received the movement of two boats laden with what was suspected to be petroleum products concealed in sacks. Upon receipt of the information, the team moved into Isalu Creeks Badagry Waterway.
“The Customs Area Controller stated that careful examination of the seizure at the Command Headquarters revealed ‘177 sacks and 61 kegs of 25 Litres Premium Motor Spirit containing 12,500 Liters with a total Duty Paid Value standing at N8,750,000.
“There’s a strong warning to the economic importance of this kind of seizure at a time of fuel scarcity cannot be over-emphasised.
“People are suffering due to artificial scarcity, but they are busy smuggling these products outside the country to make money. It’s either they stop this act, or we continue to arrest them. We have zero tolerance for this act.”
The seized PMS was concealed in 177 sacks and 61 kegs of 25 liters each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N8.75 million.
Bamisaiye warned smugglers to desist from their illegal activities, stating that the seizure contravenes Sections 245 and 254 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
He emphasized that the economic importance of this seizure cannot be overemphasized, especially during a time of fuel scarcity. He urged smugglers to stop their illegal activities or face arrest, as the NCS has zero tolerance for such acts.
This seizure comes just a day after the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the NCS intercepted 12,435 liters of PMS worth N10.8 million, which was being illegally exported to Cameroon.
The NCS has continued to crack down on smuggling activities, emphasizing its commitment to enforcing trade laws and regulations.
