The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 15 sacks of pangolin scales weighing 1,014.5kg with a Duty Paid Value of over N1.7bn in Lagos.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), disclosed this at a media convention in Lagos, on Monday.
Ali, who was represented by the National Public Relations Officer, NSC, DC Joseph Attah, added that two suspects had been arrested with the gadgets.
“This criminality was not essentially a Nigerian thing; sadly, some foreigners with active connivance of few Nigerians are bent on using our dear country as a transit route for illegal wildlife trade,” Attah acknowledged.
He stated that DNA take a look at can be performed on the scales to know which nation they emanated from.
He additional stated that those that purchased the merchandise weren’t Nigerians however Asian international locations and effectively developed international locations, stating that Nigerians which are concerned had been lured by cash to offer warehouse the place the elements could possibly be saved.
“Today, we’re right here to showcase the success story of the NCS’s ongoing crackdown on unlawful wildlife commerce.
“You will recall that two months in the past, NCS, performing on credible intelligence supplied by our worldwide companions, introduced wildlife seizure price over N22bn with arrested suspects at the moment going through prosecution.
“In the course of additional investigation to arrest different members of the gang, we obtained one other credible intelligence from similar worldwide associate, Wildlife Justice Commission, and swiftly deployed our intelligence operatives with the Strike Force as a SWAT staff.
“This led to the interception of One Mercedes Benz Bus with registration number BGT 256 LG along Kudirat Abiola Way Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos,” he stated.
The CGC stated that upon examination, the bus was discovered to include the next: Pangolin Scales; 60kg, 35kg, by 54kg, 64kg, 66kg, 58kg, 50kg, 73kg, 61kg, 64kg, 92kg, 89kg, by 60kg, by 92.5kg totalling 1,009.5kg and one sack of Pangolin Claws by 5kg all totalling 1,014.5kg with a DPV of N1. 7 billion.
He named the 2 suspects already arrested in reference to the seizure as Salif Sanwidi and Sunday Ebenyi, including that they’d be charged to court docket to reply for his or her crimes.
“For the avoidance of doubt, illegal wildlife trade contravenes Section 63 “e” and “g” of CEMA Cap 45 LFN 2004.
“Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. As accountable member of the worldwide group, we can’t permit our nation for use as a conduit pipe for unlawful commerce in wildlife.
“We stay dedicated to the quarterly assembly with embassies of U.S., UK and Germany and welcome on board different International organizations which are becoming a member of the fray.’
He recommended the Wildlife Justice Commission for his or her continued dedication to the course by way of the supply of credible and actionable intelligence, together with technical aids.
“NCS appreciates this working synergy and looks forward for more,” he stated.
(NAN)
