Massive Bust! Nigerian Customs Intercepts ₦212 Million Worth of Smuggled Rice in Lagos

Officers of the Western Marine Command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa, Lagos, have intercepted over three trucks worth of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, estimated at ₦212 million, brought in via the nation’s inland waterways.

While parading the seized items before journalists, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command, revealed that the command had intercepted various contraband goods, including cannabis sativa, foreign sugar, and textiles, in addition to the large quantity of smuggled rice.

Comptroller Ntadi disclosed that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the confiscated items stands at ₦352 million.

He explained that the seizures were made along the Badagry waterways and surrounding areas. Notably, the command intercepted 2,017 bags of foreign parboiled rice, valued at ₦212 million, and 481 loaves of cannabis sativa, estimated at ₦50 million. Additional items include seven 50kg sacks of sugar worth ₦672,000, 72 rolls of foreign plain materials valued at ₦71 million, and nine smuggling boats worth ₦17.5 million.

Describing the seizures as a major disruption to illicit trade networks, Compt. Ntadi reaffirmed the command’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s economic interests and borders.

He attributed the operational success to the strategic support from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, enhanced intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and the deployment of additional patrol vessels along Nigeria’s waterways.

“Our continuous vigilance and proactive measures are designed to adapt to the ever-changing tactics of smugglers,” he stated.

Compt. Ntadi urged members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities to help combat smuggling and safeguard national interests. “Our collective vigilance is crucial in preserving economic stability and national security,” he said, promising that the command will not relent in its anti-smuggling efforts.

In a show of inter-agency cooperation, the intercepted cannabis was officially handed over to Emmanuel Morrison, Acting Commander of the NDLEA Marine Command. Morrison commended the Customs Service for its sustained collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking.