Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts $193,000 Hidden in Yoghurt Carton
The Nigeria Customs Service seized $193,000 hidden in a yoghurt carton at Abuja’s airport. The suspect, Kamilu Sarina, did not declare the money, violating anti-money laundering laws. His luggage was inspected due to credible intelligence, leading to the discovery of the concealed funds, which have been handed over to the EFCC for investigation.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) successfully intercepted $193,000 in undeclared foreign currency hidden within a carton of yoghurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. This seizure, executed on Thursday, was a result of a targeted inspection prompted by credible intelligence, according to an official statement from the service.
The suspect, identified as Kamilu Sarina, 40, arrived in Nigeria via Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Olumide Adebisi, the customs area controller for the Federal Capital Territory Command, detailed the operation stating, “Around the early hours of today, we received an intelligence report which proved very helpful.”
Sarina failed to declare the large sum of money, contravening Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which mandate that any traveler carrying more than $10,000 must declare it upon entry. Mr. Adebisi emphasized that the law stipulates serious consequences for non-compliance, including potential forfeiture of funds and prison time.
The concealment was detected during a baggage scan that revealed unusual density in Sarina’s luggage, prompting further inspection. Upon examination, the undeclared money was uncovered inside the yoghurt carton. The funds have since been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for additional investigation and legal action.
Mr. Adebisi reiterated the importance of strict adherence to financial regulations regarding currency declarations. He stated, “All travellers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations… Non-compliance with these regulations violates Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties.” He further commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for fostering an operationally efficient environment within the department.
In conclusion, the interception of $193,000 by the Nigeria Customs Service highlights the crucial role of regulatory vigilance in preventing money laundering. The incident serves as a reminder of the legal obligations travelers must adhere to regarding currency declarations. Compliance is not only a legal requirement but also essential for deterring financial crimes.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
