THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED AS NCS INTERCEPTS N22.3BN PANGOLIN SCALES, ELEPHANT TUSKS
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have arrested three suspected smugglers in connection with different kilograms of Pangolin scales and Elephant tusks worth N22.3 billion in Lagos.
The Controller General of Customs (CGC), Col. Hammed Ali, said the 17,137.44 kilograms of Pangolin scales (196 sacks), 870.44 kilograms of Elephant tusks and 4.60 kilograms of Pangolin claws were evacuated at a location on eastern side of Ijeoma Street, Lekki, Lagos State after proper examination.
The Nigeria Custom Service extensive collaboration yielded credible intelligence that triggered swift and comprehensive actions by the Customs Intelligence Unit and NCS Headquarters Strike Force.
He further stated that the seizures was in line with Section 63 “e” and “g” of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), Cap 45 LFN 2004 as amended, adding that it falls under Export prohibition schedule VI of the extant Common External Tariff, which prohibits their exportation.
“Nigeria is a signatory to CITES convention hence cannot be used as a transit hub. This feast is a testimony of what sincere collaboration between nations can achieve for our world, and individual nations in particular.
READ ALSO: POLICE ARREST FIVE SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS WHILE COLLECTING N3.5M RANSOM IN OGUN STATE
“Already three suspects who are non-nationals have been arrested. They are Mr. Traore Djakonba, Mr. Isiak Musa and Mr. Mohammed Bereta. The Kingpin, Mr. Berete Morybinet is on the run thinking he can evade the long arm of the law. Security agencies at all entry and exit points are on red alert to track and arrest to face justice. He is therefore advised in his interest to surrender himself to the NCS,” he added.
However, he said the suspects arrested would soon have their date in court, as NCS would leave no stone unturned to bring them to justice. He said the Service would extend same treatment to any person or organization remotely connected to this or any illegal wildlife trade.
“While thanking our partners, especially the wildlife justice commission, let me give assurances of the Service determination to treat any and every information with utmost confidentiality and swift appropriate action(s) to them this tide of illegality,” he said.
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