Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts $193,000 Hidden in Yoghurt Carton

The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted $193,000 concealed in a yoghurt carton at Abuja airport. The seizure, based on intelligence, involved Kamilu Sarina, who failed to declare the funds in violation of Nigerian law. The money has been transferred to the EFCC for further investigation. Customs authorities emphasize compliance with financial regulations to avoid penalties.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) successfully intercepted $193,000 in undeclared foreign currency concealed within a yoghurt carton at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. This operation was conducted based on credible intelligence and occurred on Thursday. The individual in question, Kamilu Sarina, aged 40, had arrived from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 951.

Olumide Adebisi, the Comptroller at the Federal Capital Territory Command, stated that the suspect concealed a significant sum of money without declaring it, contravening legal requirements under the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023, which mandates declarations for amounts exceeding $10,000.

The violation was identified during a baggage scan, which revealed unusual density. Upon further inspection, customs officials discovered the undeclared funds hidden within the yoghurt carton. The intercepted currency has since been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for additional investigation and prosecution.

Mr. Adebisi underscored the importance of adhering to financial regulations, warning travelers against attempting to evade currency declaration rules. He emphasized the penalties for non-compliance under Nigerian law, highlighting both potential forfeiture of funds and imprisonment.

Furthermore, Mr. Adebisi expressed gratitude to Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi for fostering an efficient operational environment, acknowledging how it has enhanced the effectiveness of the command’s enforcement operations. The article concludes by reinforcing the necessity for travelers to follow legal requirements related to currency declarations when entering or exiting the nation.

The Nigeria Customs Service has highlighted the importance of compliance with financial regulations, particularly concerning the declaration of foreign currency. The recent seizure of $193,000 demonstrates the seriousness with which customs authorities view such violations. Travelers must heed the legal obligations to declare significant sums, as failures to do so carry severe consequences.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com