Customs intercepts undeclared $193,000 hidden in yoghurt carton at Abuja airport

The operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted an undeclared sum of $193,000 (about N289.5 billion) concealed in a carton of yogurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, March 21, 2015.

Maiwada revealed that the seizure occurred on Thursday, March 20.

He said the suspect was aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Maiwada stated that the operation was based on credible intelligence and a thorough baggage inspection of an inbound passenger.

“Acting on intelligence, Customs officers conducted a detailed inspection, leading to the discovery of the concealed cash,” he said.

The Customs spokesman noted that the undeclared funds violate the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

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According to him, both Acts mandate that travellers carrying over $10,000 (or its equivalent in negotiable instruments) must declare it to Customs upon arrival or departure.

Maiwada stated that advanced scanning technology helped detect the unusual density of the suspect’s luggage.

Maiwada said: “The seized money has been formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“As required by law, we are handing over the forfeited funds to the EFCC for further necessary action.”

He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and curbing illicit financial flows across borders.

Maiwada also urged travellers to comply with the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving Nigeria.

The Star