Nigeria Customs Foils Smuggling Attempt: Arrests Importer Offering N50m Bribe
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Monday that they apprehended Boniface Ike, a Nigerian importer, for attempting to bribe officers at the Tin-Can Island Command with $54,330 (N50 million).
This was in relation to the seizure of two 40ft containers containing illegal and hazardous drugs from India.
At a press conference in Lagos, Customs Area Controller Compt. Adekunle Oloyede explained that these unregistered pharmaceutical products, worth N550 million, were disguised as electrical appliances by the importer.
The absence of proper permits and certificates raised concerns about their safety for consumption by Nigerians.
Compt. Oloyede highlighted that the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) had alerted the Tin-Can Island Command to the suspected smuggling of dangerous drugs concealed in two containers.
Subsequent physical examinations of the containers revealed alarming contents: Timaking 120 Tapentadol (Tramadol) Hydrochloride Carisoprodol capsules and Super Royal 225 (Tramadol).
Two suspects were apprehended and are under investigation. One of them, Boniface Ike, who claimed ownership of the containers, attempted to secure his release and the release of the containers through a bribe.
The NCS rejected such actions and intends to ensure that the culprits face appropriate legal consequences.
Compt. Oloyede emphasized the NCS’s commitment to combating smuggling, preserving revenue, and safeguarding Nigerian citizens from hazardous goods.
The suspects, containers, and evidence will be transferred to relevant agencies for further action or prosecution as per the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023).
