Godwin Oritse
2 January 2008
THE Apapa Command,Area I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confiscated a total of 480,000 packets of fake Marlboro brand of cigarettes shipped from China following a tip off from Philip Morris, manufacturers of the original Marlboro cigarettes.
The fake cigarettes which are made in China and brought into Nigeria from the Asian country is currently under the custody of the Command
Sources close to the Nigeria Customs Service disclosed that men and officers of the Command swung into action immediately it received the information concerning the presence of the fake item on the Nigerian waters.
In a Memo with reference number NCS\APO\A047\S.7\C\VOL.VCUSTOMS to a law firm (names withheld) acknowledging the receipt of the letter informing the command of the container of fake cigarettes, the Apapa Customs confirmed the interception of the container and invited the law firm to meeting for more information with regards to the consignment and its importers
As at the time of filling this report, nobody has been arrested with regards to the importation of the cigarettes which also falls into the category of banned imports.
Part of the memo which was dated 15th of November 2007 reads "I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter on the above subject dated 26th October 2007 and to inform you that the said container NO CMAU 8146300 has been intercepted .
"You are hereby invited to come to our office volunteer information on the content"
Manufacturers of genuine cigarettes have expressed concern over the importation of such large consignment of counterfeit cigarettes and expressed hope that the fake product would not find its way into the supply chain and into the hands of unsuspecting consumers.
Beside the health hazards of consumption of the fake product, the loss of revenue to government through payment of duties is unquantifiable.
Activities of fraudulent importers and agents have been on the decline in the Apapa Customs Command, since the new Area Comptroller Mr John Atte took over the leadership of the command.
In an interaction with maritime reporters, Atte warned that the days of fraudulent importers and agents are over as his administration will not condone any form of sabotage.
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