Seizure of $193,000 by Nigeria Customs Service Highlights Currency…

The Nigeria Customs Service seized $193,000 concealed in a yoghurt carton at Abuja’s airport, following a suspected violation of currency declaration laws by traveler Kamilu Sarina. The found funds were handed to the EFCC for further action, highlighting the importance of compliance with financial regulations.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) successfully intercepted a concealed sum of $193,000 in foreign currency, hidden within a yoghurt carton at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. This operation was executed following credible intelligence and targeted baggage inspections conducted by the Customs on Thursday.

The individual in question, Kamilu Sarina, aged 40, arrived in Nigeria on Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Olumide Adebisi, a customs area controller, confirmed that Sarina did not declare the found funds, thus violating the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. The laws stipulate that any traveler carrying over $10,000 is required to declare these funds upon entry or exit.

Adebisi highlighted that such undeclared amounts could lead to severe penalties, including forfeiture of the funds or a possible prison sentence. The concealed currency was detected through baggage scanning, which revealed unusual density in the suspect’s luggage, prompting a closer examination.

Following the discovery, the seized currency was submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and potential prosecution. The Customs Service reiterated its commitment to enforcing financial regulations, urging travelers to comply with the law regarding the declaration of cash exceeding permissible limits when crossing borders.

Adebisi commended Bashir Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, for fostering an operational environment that enhances efficiency within the Command while emphasizing the critical nature of adherence to currency declaration guidelines.

The recent seizure of $193,000 by the Nigeria Customs Service underscores the agency’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and combating money laundering. All travelers are reminded of their obligation to declare significant amounts of currency upon entry or exit from Nigeria to avoid penalties. The swift action taken in this case reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations within the Customs Service.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com