Customs Impounds 20 Containers of Expired Tomatoes in Lagos
DRUMS OF TOMATOES
By Chinonso Apeh
No fewer than 20 containers of expired tomato concentrate have been impounded by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos.
The containers of the tomatoes were seized at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) terminal at the weekend.
The Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniji, during the display of the goods described the development as “staggering, unprecedented and historic milestone in the history of the command.”
He said that the expired tomato concentrate were discovered by customs officers at PTML, adding that the items were unsafe for human consumption.
The items were first uncovered during routine examination on August 8th, 2023, he said, expressing surprise that some smugglers had such audacity to bring in such hazardous product into the country.
According to him, the 20 containers had falsely been declared as almond shells by the importers.
The Acting CG said, “the audacious attempt to introduce such large quantity of expired food products into the Nigerian market is heartless and inexcusable.
“In each container, 80 drums were meticulously arranged, amounting to a total of 1,600 drums. The duty paid value of this illegal cargo is a staggering N116,211,725.73.
“As of now, all these containers remain in our custody, officially recorded as seizures. We have apprehended one suspect, Mr. Okonkwo Oliver Izunna, who is currently under administrative bail but remains under investigation.
“This seizure, which was processed through three separate single good declaration (SGDs) forms, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to maximally suppress smuggling and our determination to safeguard the lives of Nigerians by intercepting dangerous imports such as these.
“The actions taken by those involved in this unlawful activity contravene sections 228(1) and (2), 55 (c and d), and 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Additionally, it directly violates Schedule 4, item 14 of the Common External Tariff (CET) 2022-2026.”
Adeniyi warned importers and customs agents against involvement in unlawful practices, false declarations and every attempt to evade payment of correct duties or face the wrath of the law.
He however assured that compliant automobile importers and their agents will have no issues at clearing their goods at the ports.
No fewer than 20 containers of expired tomato concentrate have been impounded by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos.
The containers of the tomatoes were seized at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) terminal at the weekend.
The Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniji, during the display of the goods described the development as “staggering, unprecedented and historic milestone in the history of the command.”
He said that the expired tomato concentrate were discovered by customs officers at PTML, adding that the items were unsafe for human consumption.
The items were first uncovered during routine examination on August 8th, 2023, he said, expressing surprise that some smugglers had such audacity to bring in such hazardous product into the country.
According to him, the 20 containers had falsely been declared as almond shells by the importers.
The Acting CG said, “the audacious attempt to introduce such large quantity of expired food products into the Nigerian market is heartless and inexcusable.
“In each container, 80 drums were meticulously arranged, amounting to a total of 1,600 drums. The duty paid value of this illegal cargo is a staggering N116,211,725.73.
“As of now, all these containers remain in our custody, officially recorded as seizures. We have apprehended one suspect, Mr. Okonkwo Oliver Izunna, who is currently under administrative bail but remains under investigation.
“This seizure, which was processed through three separate single good declaration (SGDs) forms, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to maximally suppress smuggling and our determination to safeguard the lives of Nigerians by intercepting dangerous imports such as these.
“The actions taken by those involved in this unlawful activity contravene sections 228(1) and (2), 55 (c and d), and 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Additionally, it directly violates Schedule 4, item 14 of the Common External Tariff (CET) 2022-2026.”
Adeniyi warned importers and customs agents against involvement in unlawful practices, false declarations and every attempt to evade payment of correct duties or face the wrath of the law.
He however assured that compliant automobile importers and their agents will have no issues at clearing their goods at the ports.
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